John Candy: I Like Me (2025) - Film Review

      **John Candy: I Like Me, 2025**

      Directed by Colin Hanks.

      Featuring John Candy, Rosemary Candy, Chris Candy, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Dave Thomas, Martin Short, Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd, Robin Duke, Andrew Alexander, Conan O'Brien, Andrea Martin, Macaulay Culkin, Chris Columbus, Mel Brooks, and Kelvin Pruenster.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      The film delves into the life and legacy of the legendary comedian John Candy, who passed away from a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 43.

      When asked about their favorite comedies from the 1980s or early 1990s, many would likely mention Canadian actor and comedian John Candy, whether in a lead role or a supporting one. While Candy's life and career may seem brief due to his untimely death, his influence on the comedy landscape endures, with numerous performances regarded as some of the most humorous and heartfelt ever captured on film.

      *John Candy: I Like Me* peels back the layers of the beloved actor's life, examining his childhood and passion for comedy as well as his impact on family, friends, and fans, along with the pressure he felt to bring joy to others. Directed by Colin Hanks, whose father, Tom Hanks, acted alongside Candy in the 1984 comedy *Splash*, the documentary offers a poignant portrait of one of the most recognizable figures in comedy. Many childhood friends and fellow comedians reference Candy as the 'everyman,' a sentiment reinforced by various home videos, archival interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, accompanied by numerous personal stories. Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds adeptly convey Candy's relatability, reflecting on his own struggles following the early death of his father and how that influenced him throughout his life.

      The documentary flows seamlessly, blending the humor of Candy’s personality with the sorrow of his passing. The wealth of home footage documenting Candy’s journey from schoolboy to husband and father, as well as his rise from a small-time actor on the Canadian sketch show SCTV to being a star, offers valuable insight into his joyful nature. Candy’s desire to entertain everyone came at a personal cost, as he masked his insecurities and fears. Footage of interviewers and newscasters making comments about Candy's weight, often directly addressing him, provides greater context regarding the impact those remarks had on him, especially later in his life.

      Despite the somber elements, the documentary celebrates the life of a dedicated comic who aimed to bring comfort to his audience while showcasing his many complexities. It is crucial to recognize that Candy infused his characters with emotional depth and distinct personality, making his performances unforgettable, even in brief appearances like those in *Home Alone* or *National Lampoon’s Vacation*.

      Watching him in films such as *Uncle Buck* or *Planes, Trains & Automobiles*, where he portrays more than just a typical comedic character, highlights the extent of his commitment to his roles. In fact, it is from his character Del Griffith in the latter film that the documentary derives its subtitle; after enduring a harsh verbal insult from Steve Martin's character, Del briefly sheds his eccentric persona to deliver one of the film’s most iconic scenes, ultimately creating a pivotal emotional moment at the conclusion.

      Featuring faces like Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dan Aykroyd, and the Candy family, *John Candy: I Like Me* stands as a heartfelt tribute to a comedic legend whose time was cut short. Hanks and his team present a comprehensive understanding of who John Candy was and how his influence continues to resonate, leaving an impression as large and vibrant as his personality.

      *John Candy: I Like Me* will be showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival and available on Prime Video starting October 10th.

      Flickering Myth Rating - Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie news and nerd discussions.

      Originally published September 6, 2025. Updated September 7, 2025.