John Candy: I Like Me is an intimate look at the genius, ambitions, and legacy of a Canadian comedy legend.
Canada has had quite a few major talent exports who have been instrumental in front and behind the camera. In recent decades we’ve had big names like Jim Carey, Ryan Reynolds, and Mike Myers, to name a few. But before them, there was the Second City crew, many of whom went on to star on SCTV and Saturday Night Live before moving on to Hollywood. Chief among them was John Candy, aka Johnny Toronto, who despite being surrounded by generational talents like Eugene Levy, Katherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Rick Moranis, somehow stood out among his peers.
John Candy: I Like Me chronicles Candy’s humble beginnings in Newmarket, Ontario, his father’s premature passing from a heart attack when Candy was only five years old, and their his family’s subsequent move to Scarborough where they lived with his grandmother. Through the film, we learn how a shy ninth grader transformed into the actor and performer he later became. It’s an all out celebration of his comedic genius, ambitions, and legacy, as seen through the eyes of the people who knew him most, including friends and close collaborators like Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and his SCTV castmates, as well as his wife and children.
But it’s in the private moments with his family that we get to see the real John who loved his family and was a bit of a recluse who needed time away from Hollywood.
We also get a look into his secret battles, from his weight, to not feeling confident next to his Second City peers in the early stages, to battling anxiety and barely being able to make it through shooting a film, to grappling with his father’s death and being haunted by his own. It’s hard to believe that the seemingly outgoing Candy, who found a way to make others laugh, was suffering in silence, especially with anxiety and insecurity. The film is a reminder that while we felt we knew Candy as the star that graced on screens, we still knew so little about him.
Although the tone is sad at times, there are many moments of levity and comedy, as they recall funny moments with Candy, and heartfelt moments, like when his wife remembers how they met.
Despite his contributions to comedy, both in Canada and the United States, John Candy still isn’t a name mentioned enough when we talk about comedic genius’ in our lifetime, perhaps because of his early passing, but this documentary is a well-needed reminder. It’s a personal and fitting tribute to a man and talent brought joy to the world, but went far too soon.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music and film & TV. He was named one of 340 international voters for the Golden Globe Awards and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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