The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) opened on a deeply emotional and proudly Canadian note with the premiere of a documentary celebrating the life and legacy of beloved comedian and actor John Candy. Directed and produced by Ryan Reynolds in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios, the film is already drawing praise for its heartfelt portrayal of one of Canada’s most iconic entertainers.
During a lively panel discussion, Reynolds admitted he was so eager to have Bill Murray involved that he even recorded a playful video appeal, enlisting the help of his toddler son, Olin. The moment, he noted, not only showed his persistence but also underscored how personal and family-driven the project had become for him and his wife, actress Blake Lively.
Almost thirty years after his tragic death in 1994, John Candy, who is best remembered for his iconic parts in Uncle Buck, Cool Runnings, Trains and Automobiles, and Planes, is still a beloved figure in comedy. The documentary, titled simply John Candy, explores his personal life, career highlights, and enduring impact on Canadian culture and comedy. It includes rare home videos, never-before-seen footage from archives, and discussions with family, friends, and collaborators.
John Candy, who grew up in a working-class Ontario family and lost his father at a young age, carried that grief with him throughout his life. Behind his friendly, gregarious smile, his was also willing to put up with the media’s frequently hurtful remarks about his size. “He was self-effacing in his work, but never self-loathing,” Reynolds thought. He didn’t turn smacking, even when he was at himself, into a sport.
For John Candy’s children, the film’s segment titled “I Like Me” was an emotional yet healing experience one they deeply appreciate. Each of them has navigated their own journey through the loss of their father. It took Chris a long time to find the strength to revisit his father’s movies or pay a visit to his grave. When he eventually did, he was struck by his father’s great talent once again as well as the grief he carried.
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Reynolds, who looked up to Candy as a child in Canada, highlighted the project’s significance to him. “John Candy embodied our best qualities kindness, humor, and humanity.” During the TIFF opening night speech, Reynolds stated, “This film is my way of saying thank you.”
He also shared a humorous anecdote about trying to involve Bill Murray in the project, only for the call to be hilariously interrupted by his toddler. The moment, he explained, reminded him that Candy’s everyman spirit wasn’t just about comedy it was about family, connection, and the ability to find joy in everyday life.
Reynolds, a Vancouver native, has always loved Candy because he grew up watching “SCTV” replays and vintage comedies like Uncle Buck. He frequently attributes his own comedic style to Candy’s warmth and timing, highlighting out that Reynolds’ approach to acting and producing was influenced by Candy’s capacity to make audiences laugh while simultaneously displaying real vulnerability.
The documentary was met with a standing ovation at its debut, with audiences describing it as both moving and uplifting. Critics praised the film’s balance of humor and heart, capturing Candy’s larger-than-life presence while also reflecting on his struggles with fame and health. Canadian pride ran deep throughout the screening, with many noting that starting TIFF with John Candy felt like a fitting tribute to the country’s comedic heritage.
Candy’s impact goes far past his work in movies. His family-friendly sense of humor made him a Hollywood favorite, he pioneered sketch comedy through SCTV, and he never lost sight of his Canadian heritage. Reynolds observed, “I think that’s an increasingly scarce resource these days, in an age where everything is curated to perfection. John was a good person when no one was looking.”
” He added that Candy’s willingness to take risks and embrace imperfection made him relatable to millions, much like their own Uncle Buck. Like his cherished films and old television show recordings, Jennifer and Chris Candy see the documentary John Candy: I Like Me as an album filled with memories of their father that will be cherished for generations to come.