Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
I feel like I’ve known John Candy for most of my life. Growing up in Canada, SCTV was the perfect window for the world to discover our unique sense of humor. The Shmenge Brothers, Johnny LaRue, and Candy’s spot-on impression of Alfred Hitchcock were just a few of the quirky, hilarious characters that filled our living room with laughter.
When I was a teen, the movie Stripes came out. It featured so many of the funniest, most culturally relevant comedians of the day — Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Canadian talent from SCTV like John Candy, Joe Flaherty and Dave Thomas. I remember that movie with such fondness and could watch it over and over, even if it feels a little out of date and politically incorrect today.
The new documentary John Candy: I Like Me feels like a warm reunion with an old friend. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film traces Candy’s journey from his Toronto roots to Hollywood stardom, showing not only his immense talent but his deep humanity. It’s a beautiful blend of laughter and heartache — a portrait of a man who was both larger than life and deeply vulnerable.
Through clips, home videos, and interviews with family, friends, and collaborators, we’re reminded of Candy’s unmatched comedic timing and his ability to bring heart to every role — whether in Splash, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, or Cool Runnings.
The film also touches on the early tragedy that shaped him: the sudden loss of his father when he was just 5 years old. That loss, coupled with the pressures of fame, left an emotional imprint that followed him throughout his life and contributed to the anxiety and self-doubt he often tried to mask with humor and generosity.
What shines through most is how beloved he was — not just by fans, but by everyone who worked with him. He embodied the best of unwavering kindness: humble, generous, and genuinely funny without cruelty. Watching John Candy: I Like Me feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket of nostalgia, comfort, and bittersweet joy.
For those of us who grew up laughing with John Candy, this film is a touching reminder of why we still like him — no, love him — after all these years.
READ MORE > Nomi's Pic's Rambler Cafe Blog
Leave a comment