by Tim Gordon
John Candy was a grand man in every sense of the phrase. Larger than life yet profoundly humble, he carried with him a rare blend of humor, heart, and humanity that made audiences feel not just entertained, but embraced. He wasn’t simply a comedian who made people laugh; he was a presence that made them feel seen, understood, and cared for. John Candy: I Like Me, Colin Hanks’ 2025 documentary, captures this essence with warmth and reverence, reminding us why Candy remains one of the most beloved figures in comedy and film.
From his early days on Second City Television to his Hollywood breakout in Splash and later hits like Uncle Buck and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Candy carved out a unique space in film comedy. He was not the suave leading man or the sardonic outsider. He was the everyman, fallible, kind-hearted, often bumbling, but always deeply human. That ability to be both funny and emotionally accessible made him instantly relatable.
The documentary uses rare and never-before-seen footage, including outtakes, private home videos, and candid moments, to illuminate the man behind the roles. These are interwoven with commentary from friends, collaborators, and admirers, creating a mosaic of perspectives that celebrate not only his talent but his humanity.
Candy’s life was also marked by private struggles. Losing his father at the age of five left a wound that never fully healed. His fear that he too would die young became a quiet obsession, intensified by the deaths of peers like John Belushi. Interviews and archival material reveal how those insecurities shaped his outlook, driving both his comedy and his anxieties. His battles with weight and health are not sensationalized here but presented as part of the complex man he was: someone beloved for his big heart yet quietly burdened by the pressures of fame and expectation.
One of the documentary’s greatest strengths is its chorus of voices. Tom Hanks remembers his generosity on the set of Splash. Dan Aykroyd recounts their instant bond and creative synergy. Steve Martin, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and Mel Brooks highlight Candy’s improvisational genius and his ability to steal a scene without stealing the spotlight. Conan O’Brien reflects on Candy’s influence on younger comedians, noting how his mix of zaniness and tenderness remains unmatched. Jennifer Candy, his daughter, provides touching personal insight, reminding viewers that while the world saw him as “Johnny Toronto,” she and her brother simply saw Dad. These intimate glimpses humanize the larger-than-life persona and underscore the legacy he left for both family and fans.
Hanks approaches his subject with care and respect. The pacing is deliberate, allowing audiences to sit with both the joy of Candy’s performances and the sadness of his absence. He resists the temptation to frame Candy’s story as pure tragedy. Instead, he emphasizes the balance of humor and heart that defined him. In doing so, Hanks captures why Candy’s work endures: because it was never just about the joke, it was about connection.
Candy had a special gift that cannot be taught, a mix of goofiness and grace, of absurd humor grounded in vulnerability. He could make you laugh until you cried and then, in the very next moment, make you cry for real. That delicate balance is something few comedians achieve, and to this day, no one has truly duplicated it. John Candy: I Like Me is a poignant reminder of that rare magic.
Sweet, funny, and heartbreaking, this documentary is more than just a tribute. It is a meditation on love, loss, and legacy, a film that makes us laugh even as it leaves us with a lump in our throats. For those who grew up with Candy, it will feel like visiting an old friend. For those discovering him anew, it will be a revelation.
John Candy: I Like Me reminds us that Candy’s genius was not only in his ability to entertain but in his ability to affirm the value of kindness and humanity. His laughter was big, his heart even bigger, and his legacy remains indelible.
Grade: B+