Joey Magidson
One of the many things you get out of the documentary John Candy: I Like Me is just how beloved John Candy was, not simply as an actor, but as a human being. He truly was a gem. I loved the movie when I saw it last month at the Toronto International Film Festival, where I was also scheduled to speak with director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds. Unfortunately, timing got tight and it being a festival where I actually need to see things, it didn’t quite work out. Luckily, we just put a pin in that interview. Last week, with the film about to stream on Prime Video, I finally got to chat with Hanks. Now, Reynolds wasn’t able to join this time, but instead, hopping on with Hanks were Candy’s children, Chris Candy and Jennifer Candy-Sullivan. Today, our discussion comes your way.
In my review of the doc back at TIFF (here), I raved about it like so:
John Candy: I Like Me is a beautiful tribute to a great man. Whether you’re a big fan, just know the hits, or even aren’t really aware of his work (which would be insane, but still), the film has something to offer you. As someone who has seen a lot of his resume, though not all (but now am obsessed with his Yellowbelly character…IYKYK), I was often delighted by what the doc opted to include in its various clips.
Director Colin Hanks, who obviously observed Candy working with his father, has reverence for the man, but tackles his life in a way that’s hardly fan service. It’s a tribute because the person himself is worthy of having that treatment. There’s a great selection os clips and interviews to move things along, though when Hanks looks for some deep cuts, brilliance emerges, like the aforementioned Yellowbelly sketch from SCTV.
Below, you can see my conversation with Hanks, as well as Candy’s children. Given how taken I was with the sketch, Yellowbelly comes up early and often. You can tell Hanks and the Candy clan was tickled with my appreciation for it, much like they were amused by my citing of lesser works like Brewster’s Millions and Rookie of the Year. We get into what it’s like seeing their father on screen in the documentary, as well as how Hanks feels about audiences getting what he was setting out to do with the movie. John Candy: I Like Me is one of the best docs of the year, and now that it’s streaming on Prime Video, you owe it to yourself to check it out…
Here now is my interview with John Candy: I Like Me director Colin Hanks, as well as Chris Candy and Jennifer Candy-Sullivan. Enjoy:
John Candy: I Like Me is currently streaming on Prime Video!
In a phrase, I loved this movie!!!
Unfortunately, part of the reason that I love this movie so much is that I share a sad commonality with John. My father passed away suddenly, two weeks after my third birthday. I could not believe how this movie, through John, expressed so many of the feelings that I have contended with my entire life. After 58 years of living, the hurt that we experienced as children has never healed completely healed.
I hope that Mr. Hanks and Mr. Candy‘s children realize how good of a job they did with this film. Beyond the personal connection, it was a wonderful betrayal of a great big, lovable guy who was so much part of my younger years and the movies, I enjoyed so much! Through my faith, I’ve always believed that a person is never gone as long as they are somewhere in your heart. This film has cemented John’s memory in my heart, and I’m certain that it will do the same for many others.!!
Great job gang!!!
Thanks for sharing!