John Candy Documentary Delivers a Heartwarming Canadian Kickoff at Toronto Film Festival

TORONTO (AP) — Bill Murray starts the documentary “John Candy: I Like Me” saying, “I wish I had more bad things to say about him.” It’s hard to find anyone who can share a negative word about John Candy. He wasn’t just a beloved actor in films like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and “Uncle Buck”; he genuinely radiated warmth both on and off the screen. Mel Brooks describes him perfectly: “He was a total actor because he was a total person.”

This documentary, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, pays tribute to both the actor and the man. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, a fitting venue for a true Canadian icon nicknamed “Johnny Toronto.” As Hanks notes, there was no question about where the film should debut—Toronto was the only choice.

“John Candy: I Like Me” will hit Prime Video on October 10. It’s a heartfelt look at Candy’s life, honoring his legacy more than 30 years after his passing due to heart failure at just 43. Ironically, his heart is what stays with us—emotionally and through his work. “Part of me hates that he never saw how beloved he was,” Reynolds says. “He left something really lasting.”

The movie takes its title from one of Candy’s famous lines, but it reflects a broader message about self-acceptance and fulfillment. Candy, who grew up in Ontario, faced his own struggles, including the loss of his father at a young age. Reynolds emphasizes that Candy never ridiculed himself: “He was self-effacing but not self-loathing.”

For Candy’s children, Jennifer and Chris, making this documentary has been emotional. They still navigate their grief but cherish the wisdom their father left behind. Chris reflects on the tools Candy provided them, including the importance of talking about feelings. “It took years before I could visit his grave or rewatch his films,” he says. “But when I did, I was amazed by his talent.”

Jennifer found comfort in her father’s films during tough times. “I watched everything,” she shares. “Hearing his voice was a constant reminder.”

Hanks aimed to go deeper, exploring what made Candy relatable to millions. He recalls visiting the set of “Splash” as a child and feeling how special Candy made him feel. As Hanks puts it, fame can be difficult to manage, but Candy helped him understand how to connect with others genuinely.

Reynolds has been a fan of Candy since childhood, and this admiration has influenced his career. “I often feel like I’m either Del Griffith or Neil Page from ‘Planes, Trains,’” he says. He even includes nods to Candy in his films, creating a link between their worlds.

Reynolds expresses gratitude for Candy’s legacy. “I feel safer and more honest having him around,” he says. He contrasts Candy’s authenticity with today’s culture of curated perfection, suggesting that Candy sets a standard that feels rare now.

For Jennifer and Chris, “John Candy: I Like Me” serves as a cherished time capsule, a reminder of their father’s warmth and wisdom. “I’m so fortunate to have this,” Chris says, emphasizing its lasting significance.

Source link

Ryan Reynolds, Movies, Tom Hanks, Colin Hanks, Chris Candy, Bill Murray, Mel Brooks, Documentaries, Celebrity, Movie premieres, Toronto, General news, Toronto International Film Festival, John Candy, Entertainment, Neil Page, U.S. news, U.S. News