In the bustling world of Hollywood retrospectives, Colin Hanks has stepped into the director's chair for "John Candy: I Like Me", a documentary that peels back layers on the beloved comedian's life and untimely death. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month, the film arrives on Amazon Prime Video October 10, drawing fresh attention to Candy's enduring charm just as People Magazine drops intimate interviews with his inner circle.
Hanks, son of Tom Hanks who himself appears in the doc, spoke candidly to People about what made Candy so special—a mix of vulnerability and unyielding generosity that shone through his roles in hits like Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Indeed, the 43-year-old's heart attack in 1994 cut short a career brimming with laughter, but left a legacy that's now being revisited with archival footage and outtakes never seen before. Moreover, Ryan Reynolds, the producer behind it all, has infused the project with his own emotional stake, admitting in Toronto that he spotted echoes of Candy's anxiety in his own experiences. It's that personal touch, Hanks suggests, which elevates the film beyond mere tribute.
However, not everyone in the family sees it as straightforward celebration. Chris Candy, John's son, shared with People at a Los Angeles screening on October 2 that his father might have squirmed under the spotlight. "He was uncomfortable with praise," Chris noted, highlighting the comedian's self-deprecating humor that masked deeper insecurities. The doc, running about 90 minutes, weaves in testimonials from stars like Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and Martin Short, all painting a portrait of a man who lit up sets but battled personal demons quietly.
Critics early on praise the film's balance, avoiding hagiography for something more human—flaws and all. Yet, as screenings roll out, including one at Chicago's historic theater this weekend with Reynolds in attendance, questions linger on how such revivals honor without exploiting. In an industry quick to monetize nostalgia, does this one truly capture the essence, or just stir fond memories anew?