John Candy: I Like Me
Colin Hanks' documentary examines the life of John Candy through friends and family while featuring a number of clips from TV and movie performances, interviews (both archival and new), and home videos of Candy with his family. The film works as a celebration of Candy's life and work, rather than a more critical delve into the man, while also examining into demons he struggled with before dying of a heart attack at the age of 43.
A bit sloppy at times in the adoration, with no one (except Bill Murray who, with tongue firmly in cheek, really works at it) having a bad word to say about Candy. The best part of the film is when we get to the final 20 minutes where John Candy: I Like Me does hit a higher gear when it starts to examine the man's death and the hole he left behind. This section includes what may be the best moment in the film in choosing to include Catherine O'Hara's eulogy from John Candy's funeral which may well bring a tear to your eye.
We get plenty of stories and reminiscing from friends including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Conan O'Brien, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, and others. Macaulay Culkin stating he's older now than when Candy died is such a baffling statement you realize how long the man has been gone. And that's really the point of the film, bringing those who love and miss their friend together to share stories and celebrate his all-too-short life.
- Title: John Candy: I Like Me
- IMDb: link
