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John Candy: I Like Me

Play trailer 2:39 Poster for John Candy: I Like Me PG-13 2025 1h 53m Documentary Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 72 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
From director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds--both lifelong John Candy fans--comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life and legacy of the comedic icon. The film showcases Candy's remarkable career, from his breakout turn on SCTV in his beloved native Canada to starring in some of the biggest comedies of all time. But it also delves deeply into Candy's life off-camera, through never-before-seen home videos and the personal recollections of those who knew him best. A remarkable roster of family members, close friends and colleagues share their memories of John Candy, creating an intimate and indelible portrait of an unforgettable talent who helped define a cinematic era. John Candy: I Like Me tells the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and star, driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.
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John Candy: I Like Me

John Candy: I Like Me

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Critics Consensus

Focusing on the good times as it chronicles John Candy's life and career, I Like Me gathers those who knew and loved the iconic actor for a bittersweet retrospective that feels like a cathartic group hug.

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Critics Reviews

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Tim Cogshell FilmWeek (LAist) Deeply, deeply moving... It made me remember how much I really loved John Candy. Nov 11, 2025 Full Review Christy Lemire FilmWeek (LAist) It's a lovely film and a great look back at a career that had more versatility than perhaps you'd realized. Nov 11, 2025 Full Review Coleman Spilde Salon.com Candy’s pursuit of goodness comes up repeatedly throughout “I Like Me,” to the point where a viewer can understand that, even amongst all of life’s pressures and its difficulties, it’s easy to live with integrity if you keep it by your side at all times. Oct 15, 2025 Full Review M.N. Miller InSession Film The next time you watch Del tell Neal his hand is between two pillows, see Barf the Mog proudly declare he’s his own best friend, or hear the cop trying to buy his fellow officers an “orange whip,” appreciate the fact it came at a cost. Rated: B+ Nov 11, 2025 Full Review Alise Chaffins MacGuffin or Meaning (Substack) This movie is far more hagiography than biography....but John Candy: I Like Me proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was surrounded by people who loved him, and there is a lot of value in that. Rated: 4/5 Nov 10, 2025 Full Review Frank Swietek One Guy's Opinion A cinematic love letter to the man—one that, after watching the succession of tributes the younger Hanks has accumulated, seems to be well deserved. Rated: B Nov 5, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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J B Really interesting old footage, and some great stories from actors. But it felt repetitive, especially the last 1/3. We get it, he was a good guy, with some issues, everyone loved him. I would have liked to see more of his actual talents of acing being shown alongside that. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/05/25 Full Review Philip R. An emotional tribute to one of Hollywood's legendary comedic actors, who left us way to soon. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/05/25 Full Review Cory A. If you’re an elder millennial like myself, this documentary is a must-watch nostalgia gem. Incredibly well-made giving a beautiful look into Candy’s upbringing and journey to stardom (I had no idea he was in Second City in Chicago with so many great actors!) The footage of him with his family is heartwarming, you can tell just how much he loved being a dad. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/03/25 Full Review Los G Candy was clearly a nice guy. As the documentary proceeds it seems a little vapid - a line of celebrities saying nice things about a nice person but it DOES build to something a bit stronger, a bit more meaningul and a bit sadder. By the end - as with a few Candy moves - you may have a tear in your eye and a lump in your throat Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/01/25 Full Review Kyle M A respectfully thoughtful documentary is exceptional when your engagement matches the director’s structurally crafted journey. This defining tribute not only does its beloved subject justice but also transcends when momentarily revives John Candy’s spirit in a deep dive that analytically furthers his legacy, signifying the faithful signature amid the effectively standardized treatment. (A-) Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/29/25 Full Review Brent H There's a select group of people whose personality is so radiant that they light up every room they walk into. I always got the sense that John Candy was one of those people, judging by the way he conducted himself in interviews and through the characters he portrayed on television and film. The documentary from Colin Hanks not only confirms that Candy truly was the genuine article but also demonstrates the complex duality within him. Through interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, we learn of an internal brokenness. Ironically, the wounds he carried created a man who didn't want others to feel the same hurt he suppressed in his own life. Candy was often criticized for his weight, but, as he pointed out in archival footage, others seemed more concerned about it than he was. Although his lifestyle and family medical history contributed to his untimely death in 1994, he always came across as someone comfortable in his skin. He would make efforts to become healthier, not because everyone seemed to point out his large frame, but because it was his choice. There’s a wonderful line about halfway through the film that sums up Candy not only as a father but as a person: “He became the dad he always wanted.” That giving nature carried over into all aspects of his life. He was the person who made you feel special and invested in your life. The complex duality of being such a giving person is that it left him no time for self-care. The film offers many takeaways, not just about his talent, but about the man. It serves as a powerful reminder of how to be an active listener, how to embrace the present, and how to appreciate the moment—and, most importantly, the need to allow time for self-care, because carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, as Candy did, can be a strain you’re unable to overcome. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/29/25 Full Review Read all reviews
John Candy: I Like Me

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Movie Info

Synopsis From director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds--both lifelong John Candy fans--comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life and legacy of the comedic icon. The film showcases Candy's remarkable career, from his breakout turn on SCTV in his beloved native Canada to starring in some of the biggest comedies of all time. But it also delves deeply into Candy's life off-camera, through never-before-seen home videos and the personal recollections of those who knew him best. A remarkable roster of family members, close friends and colleagues share their memories of John Candy, creating an intimate and indelible portrait of an unforgettable talent who helped define a cinematic era. John Candy: I Like Me tells the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and star, driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.
Director
Colin Hanks
Producer
Ryan Reynolds, George Dewey, Colin Hanks, Shane Reid, Sean M. Stuart, Glen Zipper, Johnny Pariseau
Distributor
Prime Video
Production Co
Amazon MGM Studios, Company Name, Maximum Effort, Zipper Bros Films
Rating
PG-13 (Suggestive Material|Drug Material|Some Strong Language|Smoking)
Genre
Documentary, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 10, 2025
Runtime
1h 53m
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