‘John Candy: I Like Me’ Is One of the Best Documentaries You’ll See in 2025

by

John Candy was a beloved Canadian comedian, so it’s fitting that fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds is helping to celebrate his life and career. Reynolds is producing a new documentary called John Candy: I Like Me, along with actor Colin Hanks, who also directed the film.

You probably recognize Candy from shows like *SCTV* (a Canadian comedy similar to *Saturday Night Live* from the late 70s and early 80s), or films such as *Home Alone*, *Uncle Buck*, *Spaceballs*, and *Planes, Trains and Automobiles*. But even if you’re not familiar with his work, this documentary is well worth watching and is likely to be one of the best you’ll see all year.

‘John Candy: I Like Me’ Is Heartfelt, Emotional, and Insightful


Prime Video

A new documentary, released in October 2025, showcases numerous famous faces sharing their thoughts on Candy, and they all struggle to find anything negative to say. The film isn’t just about an actor who died young; it’s a tribute to a truly kind, down-to-earth, and loving person who earned every bit of his success.

Candy seemed like a genuinely good person at heart, even though he was caught up in the Hollywood world. He always stayed true to himself and his family. It’s incredibly touching – and heartbreaking – to learn he secretly donated to children in need while filming his final movie in Durango, Mexico, where he sadly passed away.

Many well-known figures, including Dan Aykroyd, Mel Brooks, Macaulay Culkin, Tom Hanks, and several others, share memories of working with John Candy. But the most touching contributions come from his wife, Rosemary, and their children, Chris and Jennifer, who reflect on their personal experiences with him.

Honestly, finding out about all the struggles John Candy went through – his self-doubt and how badly he wanted to make it – makes me love his work even more. Watching movies like *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* and *Splash* reminds you how hilarious he was, especially with his physical comedy, but it also shows he was a really gifted dramatic actor. It’s a shame he didn’t get more chances to play those serious roles, because when he did, he was incredible! Tom Hanks and others have talked about how perfectly he played off other actors – he was just a dream to work with.

The documentary is powerful because it reveals the human side of an actor often seen as just a comedic, larger-than-life figure. Like everyone else, he had ambitions and dreams – he desperately wanted to play professional football, but a knee injury ended that possibility. Getting a call from Steven Spielberg for the 1979 film *1941* was a complete surprise. He went on to become a frequent collaborator and close friend of the renowned director John Hughes. Interestingly, as Macaulay Culkin notes, while Molly Ringwald is strongly associated with Hughes’ films, Candy actually appeared in more of his most popular movies than many other actors.

The documentary is full of interesting stories, like the one about John Candy meeting Jack Nicholson the night before filming a racquetball scene in *Splash*. They ended up spending the entire evening drinking together, meaning Candy likely filmed with very little sleep and a hangover! While it somehow worked for the scene, knowing this backstory changes how you see it. It’s fun to imagine what kind of hilarious moments happened when these two very different actors shared a night together.

More Eye-Opening Than His Struggles With Weight Are How People Treated Him


Buena Vista Distribution Co.

Everyone knew Candy was a big man, and he was actually gaining weight for a while. Aware that his father had died of heart problems, he wanted to stay healthy for his children. Sadly, his wife, Rosemary, explained that he had been exercising and trying to lose weight during his career, but was told by Hollywood that they preferred him larger. As a result, he stopped prioritizing weight loss. Despite this, Candy seemed genuinely comfortable with himself, as the documentary highlights. However, he still faced inappropriate comments and behavior from people during interviews.

When watching old interviews with Candy, it’s noticeable that reporters frequently asked about his weight, often suggesting he should lose it. True to his Canadian politeness, Candy always answered these questions with kindness and composure, even when a journalist directly asked if losing weight would improve his chances of getting better roles because of conventional beauty standards.

This situation highlights a clear double standard in Hollywood. If a female actor were subjected to similar questioning today – or even in the past – it would likely be considered inappropriate. However, people freely discussed and focused on John Candy’s weight as if it were his defining characteristic. It’s also notable that despite being aware of the health risks associated with being overweight, and witnessing his brother’s heart attack, Candy continued habits that worsened those risks.

With so much focus on mental health these days, it’s noteworthy that Candy was dealing with anxiety and panic attacks shortly before he passed away, and he was surprisingly open about his experiences.

‘John Candy: I Like Me’ Is the Reminder of a Legacy


Paramount Pictures

Comedian Candy passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on March 4, 1994, due to a heart attack. Throughout his career, he appeared in 71 films and television shows, primarily comedies. He’s fondly remembered by many fans, especially in Canada, for his work on *Second City Television* (*SCTV*). Videos from his time on the show clearly demonstrate his comedic talent – he completely embodied each character he played, making them all incredibly funny.

As a film buff, I remember John Candy from so many hilarious movies! Those of us who grew up in the late 80s and early 90s probably first noticed him in *National Lampoon’s Vacation* – that Walleyworld guard was iconic, and he apparently based it on a character he’d done on *SCTV*. Of course, he was fantastic in *Splash*, *Spaceballs*, and *Planes, Trains and Automobiles*. But it’s great to realize even younger audiences probably know him from holiday staples like *Home Alone* – seriously, one of the best Christmas movies ever – and *Uncle Buck*. He really left a mark with those roles!

The documentary has been incredibly well-received by both critics and audiences. It currently holds an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a remarkable 97% audience score. David Bianculli of NPR says that even those unfamiliar with John Candy will feel a strong sense of loss by the film’s end. Elahe Izadi from The Washington Post notes that the film proves the saying “never meet your heroes” doesn’t always hold true, calling Candy “a hero worth meeting.” Robert Levin of Newsday describes the documentary as “a genuinely moving” portrayal of a beloved icon.

In a review for *Salon.com*, Coleman Splide described the essence of John Candy, based on the documentary and his life story. Splide noted that Candy consistently sought goodness, suggesting that maintaining integrity is achievable even amidst life’s challenges if it remains a constant priority. You can watch *John Candy: I Like Me* on Prime Video.

Read More

2025-10-19 23:57