‘John Candy: I Like Me’ Review: A loving tribute to an icon taken too soon

Most people have a “Uncle Buck“ in their lives – someone who makes funny, questionable life choices but has the purest heart. Mine was my late Uncle Bruce, whom we affectionately called “Buck” because he was, in many ways, the living embodiment of the 1989 John Hughes creation.

This was the power of John Candy, an ordinary man who was able to connect with the audience through his performances despite the split screen. His life is revisited in the new Prime Video documentary “John Candy: I ​​Like Me.”

The opening minutes are some of the most emotional. The film begins at the end of Candy’s life in March 1994 and shows footage from her memorial service. Moments later, we hear the words of Dan Aykroyd’s touching tribute paired with images from the actor’s filmography, as well as personal photos and home video clips. Aykroyd called Candy “big”; This is a definition confirmed by the movie.

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Candy’s entire career is chronicled from his days in Toronto’s Second City by colleagues including Aykroyd, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Andrea Martin, Robin Duke and Dave Thomas. Joining them are some of Candy’s most memorable co-stars, including Tom Hanks (“Splash”), Steve Martin (“Planes, Trains and Automobiles”), Bill Murray (“Stripes”) and Macaulay Culkin (“Uncle Buck”), as well as other comedic geniuses like Conan O’Brien and Mel Brooks, who directed Candy in “Spaceballs.” They highlight Candy’s talent and warmth while offering entertaining, behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the various projects they’ve done with Candy.

“I wish I had more bad things to say about him,” Murray jokes early in the film.

Those unfamiliar with Candy’s biography will learn how deeply affected she was by the sudden passing of her father on her 5th birthday – she was only 35 – which gave rise to the chronic anxiety Candy struggled with, as well as her own fear of death before he died at the age of 43. Although she rarely took care of herself because she buried her own pain through eating, drinking and smoking, her friends and loved ones said she always put them first.

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Young John Candy, seen with his brother and father, who died at the age of 35, on the actor’s 5th birthday.

One example of this came from Culkin, who heralded Candy’s “paternal” instincts on the set of “Uncle Buck” and said his father was “already a monster” even before the fame and money came from “Home Alone.”

“I think John was kind of looking askance and saying things like, ‘Is everything okay there? Are you okay? Good day? Is everything okay? Is everything okay at home? OK,'” Culkin says. “It’s a testament to the kind of man he is. I think he was just protecting the kid, which I appreciate because it doesn’t happen very often. It actually happened less and less as time went on.”

“I wish I had more of that in my life. It’s important to remember that. I remember that John cared when most people didn’t,” she adds.

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Macaulay Culkin praised Candy’s “paternal” instincts in his Prime Video documentary. (Getty Images)

“I Like Me” is a family affair. Candy’s widow Rose and children Jennifer and Chris—all credited as co-executive producers—shed light on his devotion as a husband and father despite his rapidly rising fame. The film is directed by Colin Hanks, the son of Candy’s “Splash” co-star, while Ryan Reynolds also serves as producer.

In the director’s chair, Hanks handles Candy’s story with sensitivity, weaving in discussions about the actor’s insecurities and struggles with weight—”The industry wanted him big,” Rose notes, despite his earnest efforts to live a healthier life; with images that showcase his unique ability to make people laugh. We also hear Candy’s own words, as archives of her past interviews are sprinkled throughout the film. Many talk about how important his family is, while others show his vulnerabilities, such as when he faces uncomfortable questions about his size. It’s subtle, but the suffering is there. After all, he was a human too.

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John Candy’s children said he always put family first, even as his fame rose. (Prime, courtesy of Amazon Content Services LLC)

Decision:

“John Candy: I ​​Like Me” is a bittersweet tribute to an endearing, once-in-a-lifetime talent who was tragically taken from us too soon. This trip down memory lane will make Candy’s fans love her even more and hopefully inspire new fans to revisit the classics.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to start the Candy marathon.

★★★ ½ — PUBLISH NOW

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“John Candy: I ​​Like You” is rated PG-13 for smoking, some strong language, drugs and suggestive material. Duration: 1 hour 53 minutes. It is currently streaming on Prime Video.