John Candy was among the most popular comedians in the world in the ’80s and ’90s. He was the big, fun-loving personality that brough so many laughs as part of SCTV, and in films including Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and so many more. Earlier this month at TIFF, I attended the world premiere of documentary John Candy: I Like Me, from director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds. Candy was a Canadian hero, and you could feel the love for him in the room. And now a new trailer for the film has been released ahead of its debut on Prime Video next month.
As seen in the footage, Candy was a beloved figure who enjoyed nothing more than making others laugh. Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, and Steve Martin talk about the person Candy was when the cameras stopped rolling. Much of that was the joyous, larger-than-life figure that fans got to see. But there was also a dark side that people didn’t get to see, where Candy dealt with the tragedy and pain by eating, drinking, and smoking his feelings until it became too much. His death at the young age of 43 was a huge blow that many continue to struggle with.
In my review of the film, I said “As somber and melancholic as the film can be, it’s mainly just a loving tribute to John Candy and leaves you wanting to go back and revisit some of his best work.”
SYNOPSIS: From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes “John Candy: I Like Me,” an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.
John Candy: I Like Me hits Prime Video on October 10th.
