John Candy: I Like Me – Now Streaming on Sunset
A Heartfelt, Funny, and Bittersweet Portrait of One of Comedy’s Most Beloved Souls
A wave of nostalgia and emotion has arrived on Sunset, as the new documentary John Candy: I Like Me begins streaming now. Directed by Colin Hanks and executive-produced by Ryan Reynolds, this moving and masterfully crafted film offers a tender, deeply human portrait of the late, great John Candy — one of the most beloved actors and comedians to ever grace a screen.
Combining never-before-seen archival footage, family home videos, and heartfelt interviews with the people who knew him best, John Candy: I Like Me tells the story of a man who made the world laugh, even while quietly carrying his own private pain. The title is borrowed from Candy’s unforgettable line in the 1987 John Hughes classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles — a simple declaration that now takes on profound meaning: “I like me.”
A Labor of Love — And Laughter
The documentary made its debut at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival before its global release on Prime Video and now its streaming home on Sunset. For director Colin Hanks, whose own father, Tom Hanks, once worked alongside Candy, the project was personal. It’s both an affectionate tribute and a poignant exploration of the man behind the laughter — the generous, gentle soul whose warmth transcended the screen.
Ryan Reynolds, who also hails from Canada, helped shepherd the film to life as executive producer, calling it “a love letter to one of the funniest and kindest men our country ever gave the world.”
Through a rich tapestry of interviews, the film features an all-star circle of family, friends, and collaborators: Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Macaulay Culkin, and Candy’s widow Rosemary, along with their children Chris and Jennifer Candy. Each voice adds another layer to a story that spans from small comedy stages in Toronto to the biggest soundstages in Hollywood.
From Second City to Stardom
I Like Me follows Candy’s rise from his early days with Toronto’s Second City and the groundbreaking sketch series SCTV, through his unforgettable run of 1980s comedies that defined an era: Stripes, Splash, Spaceballs, Uncle Buck, and of course, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Through candid recollections and restored footage, the film captures the joy of watching Candy at his creative peak — his infectious laughter, his unmatched timing, and his ability to turn even the smallest role into something unforgettable.
But where the documentary truly shines is in its willingness to explore the man beneath the applause.
The Weight of Fame and the Heart Behind the Humor
Behind Candy’s comedic brilliance was a deeply sensitive soul. The film reveals how he battled anxiety, self-doubt, and lingering grief over the loss of his father at a young age. Fame only intensified those struggles — especially in an industry that often judged him for his size rather than his skill.
Yet, through all of it, Candy remained the kind of man everyone describes the same way: kind, loyal, generous, and full of heart. His family remembers him as a devoted husband and father who found his greatest joy not in the spotlight, but at home.
It’s these moments — quiet, honest, and tender — that make John Candy: I Like Me not just a documentary about fame, but a story about humanity.
John Candy and John Hughes – A Cinematic Bond Like No Other
A standout thread in the film is Candy’s profound friendship and creative partnership with filmmaker John Hughes. The documentary argues that Candy, not the “Brat Pack,” was the actor most intertwined with Hughes’s vision. As Macaulay Culkin points out in his interview, Candy collaborated with Hughes more than any other actor — appearing in seven films together, including Uncle Buck and Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Director Colin Hanks highlights their connection as “kindred spirits,” two men who understood each other’s quiet insecurities beneath the laughter. Hughes wrote roles specifically for Candy — roles that let him blend humor and heart like no one else could.
But their story ends on a heartbreaking note. The film reveals that Candy and Hughes had a falling out shortly before Candy’s death in 1994. They never reconciled. Hughes was reportedly devastated, withdrawing from Hollywood not long after. It’s a tragic reminder that behind every classic comedy are real people — fragile, brilliant, and human.
Critical Reception – A Tribute That Touches and Teaches
Critics have described John Candy: I Like Me as “a love letter filled with laughter and loss.” Fans are calling it one of the most moving documentaries of the year — a must-watch for anyone who grew up on Candy’s movies or simply misses the kind of heartfelt comedy he embodied.
While some reviewers note that the film leans toward affection rather than investigation — sidestepping heavier topics like Candy’s rumored substance use — most agree that its emotional sincerity and archival depth make it an essential celebration of his life and legacy.
The result is a documentary that’s as funny as it is heartfelt, filled with moments that will make you laugh through tears.
Now Streaming on Sunset – A Celebration of Life, Love, and Laughter
Now available to stream on Sunset, John Candy: I Like Me is more than a film — it’s an experience. It’s a reminder of what made John Candy not just a comedy icon, but a beacon of warmth in a world that often forgets the value of kindness.
Whether you grew up watching Uncle Buck or still quote Planes, Trains and Automobiles, this film will make you laugh, ache, and appreciate the man who gave so much of himself to the world — and asked for so little in return.
Stream John Candy: I Like Me now on Sunset, and celebrate the life of a man who taught us that being yourself — flaws and all — is something to truly like.