Why John Candy’s Son Was On The Fence About Titling His Dad’s Documentary (And What Changed His Mind)

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John Candy remains a beloved figure for many. His life and work are explored in the new documentary, *John Candy: I Like Me*, directed by Colin Hanks and co-produced by Ryan Reynolds. Choosing a title for the film proved challenging for those who knew Candy well. His son, Chris Candy, explains that the title didn’t immediately resonate because they weren’t just creating a product-they were honoring a person. Ultimately, a key moment helped Chris understand the perfect title.

In an opinion piece for *The Toronto Star*, Chris Candy shared a memory from October 2023 while driving on Highway 11. He was leaving Skeleton Lake after conducting initial interviews for a documentary, which didn’t have a title yet. Candy explained that he was unsure about naming the film after a famous line spoken by his father.

The project didn’t have a title yet, and I wasn’t sure about the working title, ‘I Like Me.’ It made me wonder if my dad truly liked himself, the way his friendly character, Del Griffith from ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles,’ did. I still had so many questions, but I knew one thing for sure: I was starting a long and deeply personal exploration of my dad’s life, work, and what he left behind.

It’s completely understandable why there’s a pause. Del’s statement, “I like me,” perfectly captures where he is at his lowest point – it’s humorous, genuine, and something many people can connect with. But is that truly who John Candy is playing – a confident person?

Listening to everything about my dad, a picture started forming that was so much bigger than just the ’80s movies I remembered him from. It became clear he wasn’t just a talented actor, but a genuinely kind person who always thought of others. That warmth wasn’t just for the cameras – his friends, family, and even people all over town felt it. Honestly, by the time the documentary was finished, what started as a question in the title had become a really clear answer.

After seeing the finished film, I knew the title ‘John Candy: I Like Me’ was exactly right. It’s a quote from a brilliant line written by my dad’s close friend, John Hughes, whom I miss very much. But more importantly, it’s true – John Candy genuinely liked himself. Everyone who knew him – his friends and family – loved him for who he was. He was authentic and genuine; what you saw on screen was the real John Candy.

I’ve always loved John Candy, and I think “I Like Me” is a perfect title for this documentary. It’s one of his most memorable lines, and it comes from his hilarious movie, *Planes, Trains and Automobiles*. The documentary’s producer, Ryan Reynolds, thinks Candy’s performance as Del Griffith could even earn him an Oscar nomination if it were released today, and I completely agree.

Amazon Prime Video is adding the John Candy documentary, *I Like Me*, to its streaming library. If you enjoy documentaries or a wide variety of movies and TV shows, consider subscribing. New members can try Prime Video free for 30 days, after which it costs $14.99 per month. You can also save 22% by paying $139 annually. See the deal here.

I can’t wait for the Candy documentary to be released! The filmmakers promise it’s a very emotional story, and I’m prepared for that. It will be especially meaningful because it offers Chris and Jennifer Candy a chance to honor their late father and find some closure.

The Toronto International Film Festival began with a screening of the documentary *John Candy: I Like Me* in early September. Viewers with a Prime Video subscription will be able to stream the film starting October 10th, 2025.

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2025-09-22 02:08