John Candy: I Like Me
Colin Hanks paints a vivid portrait of the much-beloved Canadian actor and comedian.
Like father, like son: John Candy and son Chris
Image courtesy of Prime.
John Candy: I Like Me proves the feeling is mutual; we like Candy too. In a nod to the Planes, Trains and Automobiles line that showcased one of his finest dramatic moments, I Like Me is an ode to a kind man who led with love. On screen, he always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye, as evidenced in films such as National Lampoon's Vacation, Splash, Summer Rental, Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, The Great Outdoors, Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and Only the Lonely — just a few highlights across a prolific career. The documentary tribute is directed by Colin Hanks (son of Tom) and produced by fellow Canuck Ryan Reynolds. It premiered to tears and laughter on the opening night of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Through an extraordinary archive of never-before-seen private home videos, rare interviews, outtakes and archival footage, Hanks’ well-drawn portrait focuses on big-hearted testimonials from those who knew Candy best.
There’s likely no greater honour in life than hearing heartfelt words of love and praise from family, friends and co-workers. Appearances by such faces as Dan Aykroyd, Mel Brooks, Chris Columbus, Macaulay Culkin, Tom Hanks, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Conan O'Brien, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, and Dave Thomas, as well as Candy’s family — wife Rosemary and children Chris and Jennifer — bring the behind-the-scenes man into focus, turning back the clock to chronicle Candy’s origins, life and legacy. With a name like Candy, it seems a planned irony that John Candy should be born on Halloween. His upbringing was haunted by the passing of his 35-year-old father on Candy’s fifth All Hallows’ Eve birthday, a tragedy that left him with the sense that he was doomed to repeat his father’s fate. He dreamed of becoming a professional football player, but a high school knee injury prevented the pursuit. Candy became a member of the Toronto branch of improv comedy group Second City, and after early forays into children’s television, he helped launch the SCTV sketch comedy series alongside original cast members Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, and Dave Thomas.
The rest is history better left for the doc itself to share, which also delves into the darker shades of Candy’s tale. Today it’s shocking to see journalists openly question his weight and television hosts making portly jokes at his expense. Candy did publicly share his experiences of living with severe anxiety and panic attacks, which seemed to increase with age and fame. Though he outlived his father, Candy still died well before his time, aged just 43. What ultimately emerges from Hanks’ tribute is an emotional, intimate glimpse at a one-of-a-kind man remembered. It’s a salute that Candy himself might have felt sheepish about and simultaneously flattered by. Adding to the emotional weight, Cynthia Erivo closes with a poignant cover of Paul Young’s "Everytime You Go Away”, the song that played over Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ closing credits. Beyond the history lesson, it’s a delight to visit with Candy’s wildly unique brand of humour, including many moments from his career not easily found on streaming. Uplifting, hilarious, and full of heart, I Like Me is much like the man himself. Candy may have died three decades ago, but thanks to the permanence and immediacy of film, everlasting favourites ensure he’ll always be with us.
CHAD KENNERK
Featuring: Dan Aykroyd, Mel Brooks, Chris Candy, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, Rosemary Candy, Steve Aker, Chris Columbus, Macaulay Culkin, Robin Duke, Tom Hanks, Don Lake, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Conan O'Brien, Catherine O'Hara, Kelvin Pruenster, Martin Short, Dave Thomas.
Dir Colin Hanks, Pro Colin Hanks, Johnny Pariseau, George Dewey, Shane Reid, Ryan Reynolds, Sean Stuart, Glen Zipper, Ph Justin Kane, Ed Shane Reid, Darrin Roberts, Music Tyler Strickland, Sound Jonathan Greber.
Amazon MGM Studios/Company Name/Maximum Effort/Zipper Bros Films-Amazon Prime Video.
113 mins. USA. 2025. US/UK Rel: 10 October 2025. Cert. PG-13 (US), 15 (UK).
