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Key Points

The Toronto International Film Festival launched its 50th edition with the world premiere of "John Candy: I Like Me." Ryan Reynolds, who produced the documentary, attended the opening night and shared heartfelt thoughts about Candy's influence. The film celebrates Candy's remarkable career that included classics like "Splash" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Amazon will release the documentary to audiences worldwide on October 10.

Key Points: Ryan Reynolds John Candy Documentary Opens Toronto Film Festival

  • Ryan Reynolds produced documentary honoring comedy legend John Candy
  • Film features Candy's iconic roles in Splash and Uncle Buck
  • Documentary set for Amazon release on October 10
  • Toronto native Candy's legacy celebrated at hometown festival
  • Reynolds reflects on Candy's fearless approach to comedy
  • Festival runs through September 14 with Rogers sponsorship
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50th Toronto International Film Festival opens with Ryan Reynolds 'John Candy: I Like Me' documentary

Toronto International Film Festival's 50th edition opens with Ryan Reynolds-produced John Candy documentary "I Like Me," celebrating the late comedy legend's life and career.

"Perfectionism is like a disease. And you see John going fearlessly, having fun - Ryan Reynolds"

Toronto, September 5

The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off its 50th edition Thursday evening with the world premiere of 'John Candy: I Like Me,' a documentary that celebrates the life and career of the titular funnyman, who died of a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 43, reported Variety.

Amazon will be releasing the documentary 'John Candy: I Like Me' on October 10.

According to the outlet, Candy was a local hero who grew up in Toronto before his breakout on the SCTV sketch comedy series in 1976.

He eventually became one of the most in-demand comedy stars of his generation, thanks to such films as 'Stripes,' 'Splash,' 'Spaceballs,' 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles,' 'Uncle Buck' and 'Cool Runnings.'

Actor Ryan Reynolds, who hails from Vancouver and produced the documentary, also attended the Toronto Film Festival's opening night on Thursday.

"I grew up here. SCTV was big in my house," Reynolds said of his introduction to Candy's work.

"We live in this really curated society in which kids -- my own kids, too -- they're terrified to suffer. They're terrified to experiment and be bad at something really. Perfectionism is like a disease. And you see John going fearlessly, having fun and doing so without consequence or penalty. It was just a reminder to allow that in more as you go," added Ryan Reynolds as quoted by Variety.

According to the outlet, Ryan Reynolds wore a T-shirt emblazoned with a Canadian maple leaf on the opening night and was joined onstage by the film's director, Colin Hanks, whose father, Tom Hanks, worked with Candy on 'Splash'.

Candy's two children, Jennifer and Christopher, also attended the screening of the movie at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The ongoing 50th Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run till September 14, 2025.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Ryan Reynolds makes a valid point about perfectionism. In India too, we put so much pressure on kids to be perfect in studies and careers. Sometimes we forget the joy of just trying things without fear of failure.
M
Michael C
As someone who grew up watching SCTV reruns, this documentary is long overdue. Candy's physical comedy was unmatched. Planes, Trains and Automobiles remains one of the funniest films ever made!
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Ananya R
While I appreciate the tribute, I wish TIFF would also showcase more diverse international cinema in their opening slots. There are so many brilliant filmmakers from Asia and Africa who deserve this platform.
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Siddharth J
️ 50 years of TIFF! That's an incredible milestone. Toronto has become such an important film destination. Hoping to see some Indian cinema representation in the festival lineup this year.
J
Jessica F
So touching that Candy's children attended. Must be emotional for them to see their father celebrated like this decades after his passing. Looking forward to watching this on Amazon in October!

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