John Candy: I Like Me is a heartfelt and affectionate documentary that pays homage to the beloved Canadian comedian, John Candy. The film is a tribute to the famous small-town actor, three decades after his untimely death in 1994. It has been directed by Colin Hanks and launched as the opening film of the Toronto International Film Festival’s 50th edition. The Amazon-produced film leans into Candy’s enduring legacy as a warm, generous, and unforgettable comic force.
John Candy: I Like Me celebrates the legacy of laughter and kindness
John Candy: I Like Me opens with eulogies from Dan Aykroyd and Catherine O’Hara, respectively. However, instead of a sombre memorial, it functions as a glowing portrait of a man universally adored by his peers and fans alike. The film features testimonials from Steve Martin, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Macaulay Culkin, and Tom Hanks. Everyone shares their fond memories of John, and Bill Murray takes a funny jab at John, stating:
“I wish I had more bad things to say about him.”
John Candy: I Like Me takes a look at John’s highs and lows during his career
While John Candy’s popularity and screen presence require no introduction, the film doesn’t shy away from the rough patches either. The film examines how, aside from classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Only the Lonely , and Uncle Buck, most of his films were critical duds. This includes approximately 40 films from John Candy’s filmography and can be considered a missed opportunity to delve deeply into why he didn’t make more discerning choices.
However, it also hints at self-doubt and the pressures of the industry being the reason for the same. Still, John’s characters remain the main focus of the documentary rather than the films themselves. The makers argued that his lasting impact lies in the scenes and moments that audiences remember, and not how successful they were at the box office.
John Candy’s struggles underneath the smile
The documentary also explores John Candy’s emotional struggles. Especially when he lost his father on his fifth birthday, an event that cast a long shadow of grief and fear of dying young on him. Unfortunately, his fear came true when he passed away at the young age of 43 years old. Colin’s John Candy: I Like Me is structured around this trauma, often delving into the pre-fame era of John’s life. His wife, Rosemary Hobor, and children, Christopher and Jennifer, offer limited but touching insights into the actor’s life off-screen, although their recollections tend to remain general.
John Candy: I Like Me revives the lasting influence of John Candy
While it’s true that John Candy: I Like Me is an overly romanticised version of John’s life, there is no denying that his ongoing influence is in both subtle and direct ways. The film references his earlier days as an SCTV character and highlights how his comedic roots bled into his later roles. The film cites his portrayal in Vacation to his cameo in Home Alone. Conan O’Brien and Culkin offer thoughtful commentary on how John’s generosity and humility shaped those around him.
The film suggests that John Candy’s legacy lives on not just in his work but also in the new generation of comedians. However, it is also true that John Candy: I Like Me is like an overplay of sentimental notes, while avoiding conflicts. The film is more about seeing him through rose coloured glasses than a deep dive into the legend’s life.
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