“John Candy: I Like Me” Review
Director: Colin Hanks Cast: John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Mel Brooks, Chris Columbus, Macaulay Culkin, Tom Hanks, Eugene Levy, Bill Murray, Conan O'Brien, Steve Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Dave Thomas Distributor: Amazon Prime Video Running Time: 113 min. MPAA: PG-13
“I hope you have some dirt on him,” jokes Bill Murray in the opening of the John Candy documentary, I Like Me. The late comedic actor wasn’t like any other, presenting himself as the sweetest guy in his many film and television roles. As those who knew John best, his personal life also reflected that of a fragile, loving, and playful man, which defined him as a wonderful yet flawed man.
The film explores John’s personal and professional life, from his rocky academics at Catholic school to his breakout acting on SCTV. It paints a picture of a man who almost effortlessly knew how to bring out the best in any actor. While other comedians wanted to dominate the stage with loud projection, John would listen. When he did speak, he crafted absurd characters that came to life, such as his cool persona of Johnny Toronto. He was a force that would soar to higher heights with roles in 1941 and Stripes.
As John’s success took off, his family relationship strained, but less out of differences at home and more out of an exhaustive career. Stricken with an overwhelming urge to please, John would devote himself to so many projects and meetings with fans. He’d sign as many autographs as people wanted and be as patient with directors who hired him, even if only for a day. The attitude of such a hard-working comedic talent must have bred jealousy for how well John could keep going with that trademark wit and smile.
Of course, John’s personal life wasn’t all grins. His father’s death at a young age haunted him throughout his life. It seemed to be a ticking clock that left him wanting to make the world a little better with the perceived limited time he had on this planet. It’s why there are plenty of tears when showcasing the home movies of John’s family life and his children’s stories.
That constant concern also made his more emotional roles in films like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Uncle Buck so heartbreaking. Steve Martin speaks of how his eviscerating rant seemed to really hurt John with that genuine display of humility. Macaulay Culkin highlights how working with John was so comforting, with the way John would constantly make sure Culkin was cool with his scenes, becoming more of a father than Culkin’s actual dad. Even director Chris Columbus could notice John’s dramatic side, as the scene of an uncertain Uncle Buck doesn’t want to disappoint the kids he cares for.
Eventually, the film gets around to John’s death, and it’s a heartbreaking finality. Several actors spoke of how they knew about John’s health problems and that he would often not think about them. He would work out at home, but would also constantly switch doctors who brought up health issues. It seemed like something he didn’t want to discuss, more concerned with his next project than his next visit to a doctor. Though his passing in the mid-1990s was tragic, he left a lasting impact, as Eugene Levy points out how a massive freeway was shut down in Candy’s honor, a rarity of a Canadian tribute.
I Like Me is a somber and heartfelt documentary treatment of John Candy, presented with as many tears and joys as a fine funeral. It more than gets the job done of generating the sadness for him being taken too young and the amazement that most of us got to live through an era with his comedic charms. Some may only remember Candy as the neurotic security guard from National Lampoon’s Vacation or the odd polka player from Home Alone. But after this doc, many will see him as something more than a funny guy, but a sweet dude you’d be lucky to call a friend.
