Quick Read
- The documentary ‘I Like Me,’ directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, explores John Candy’s life and premieres at TIFF 2025.
- The film features never-before-seen footage, interviews with family and Hollywood icons, and a deep dive into Candy’s personal struggles.
- Candy’s children, Jennifer and Chris, share intimate insights, while emotional testimonials from stars like Bill Murray highlight his legacy.
- The title references Candy’s iconic role in ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles,’ with a soundtrack featuring Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Everytime You Go Away.’
- Streaming on Prime Video from October 10, the documentary celebrates Candy’s comedic genius and enduring human connection.
John Candy, the beloved comedic actor known for his roles in films like Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Uncle Buck, is being celebrated like never before in the new documentary I Like Me. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film premiered as the opening night gala at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 4 and will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting October 10. The documentary captures the heart and humanity of a man who brought laughter to millions but struggled with personal demons.
A Heartfelt Tribute to a Comedy Legend
John Candy’s legacy is explored in depth in I Like Me, which showcases his rise to fame and the impact he had on those around him. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short, the film paints a vivid picture of Candy’s professional and personal life. As reported by Pajiba, the documentary also includes touching moments with Candy’s children, Jennifer Candy and Chris Candy, who provide unique insights into their father’s life, struggles, and triumphs.
The trailer for the film, which debuted on September 4, opens with an emotional Bill Murray reminiscing about his friend and colleague. “I could tell you what was right about John Candy, or what was wrong. But he was my friend,” Murray says, fighting back tears. His sentiments are echoed by others throughout the documentary, underscoring Candy’s enduring influence and the void left by his untimely death in 1994.
Unveiling Candy’s Vulnerabilities
While Candy was widely loved for his everyman charm and comedic genius, I Like Me doesn’t shy away from exploring the challenges he faced. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film delves into Candy’s childhood trauma of losing his father at a young age and how this shaped his outlook on life. Director Colin Hanks, in a recent interview, emphasized that Candy lived with a sense of “borrowed time,” a theme that resonates deeply throughout the documentary.
Hanks, who met Candy as a child on the set of his father Tom Hanks’ film Splash, approached the project with both reverence and a personal connection. He reveals that Candy’s struggles with weight, fame, and self-esteem were compounded by the pressure to maintain his public image as a lovable comedian. “If you go a whole lifetime eating your feelings, drinking your feelings, smoking your nerves, it shows up,” Chris Candy reflects in the film, offering a poignant glimpse into his father’s inner world.
The Making of ‘I Like Me’
The documentary is a collaborative effort involving Candy’s family and a team of dedicated filmmakers. Ryan Reynolds, who co-produced the film, has long been an admirer of Candy and used his production company, Maximum Effort, to bring the project to life. As noted by AOL, the documentary features never-before-seen home videos, rare archival footage, and candid interviews with Candy’s closest friends and collaborators.
Reynolds and Hanks worked closely with Candy’s children, Jennifer and Chris, as well as his widow, Rosemary Margaret Hobor, to ensure the film accurately represents Candy’s life and legacy. “He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person,” Reynolds said in a statement. “People loved his everyman qualities, but they didn’t know how relatable John really was.”
Music also plays a pivotal role in the documentary, with Cynthia Erivo’s haunting rendition of “Everytime You Go Away” setting the tone for the emotional journey. The title of the film itself is a nod to a memorable line from Candy’s iconic role in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, further cementing his connection to the hearts of his fans.
A Celebration of Life and Laughter
I Like Me is more than just a documentary; it’s a celebration of a man who brought joy to countless people. The film highlights Candy’s career-defining moments, from his early days on SCTV to his unforgettable performances in classics like Spaceballs and The Great Outdoors. But it also serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
As Colin Hanks noted in an interview with IndieWire, the documentary avoids becoming a “visual Wikipedia entry” by focusing on the emotional depth of Candy’s experiences. Through heartfelt storytelling and meticulous research, the film captures the essence of a man who was as complex as he was lovable.
With its premiere at TIFF and upcoming release on Prime Video, I Like Me promises to be a poignant and inspiring tribute to John Candy’s legacy. It’s a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a comedy legend whose impact continues to be felt decades after his passing.