John Candy: I Like Me

I got to attend a charity screening of JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME, benefitting St. Jude’s. The documentary is very worth your time when it debuts on Prime next week. It’s like getting a wonderful, new Candy movie. Colin Hanks, Ryan Reynolds, and their team really did a lovely job, and of course, so many of John’s collaborators show up for him and share best and funniest, along with the Good, The Bad, and the Ugly parts of a man trying to make everyone happy, to his own detriment.

I knew it would be a direct hit on me, and I wasn’t wrong. My story’s not the same as John’s, but how I previously self-medicated my issues was in parallel to John. I love Batman and Robin, but therapy and GLP-1 shots are my true dynamic duo. John Candy had started his own journey towards wellness, but he ran out of time. I’ve been writing less as I focus more on myself, and I suppose you can tell that from the frequency of the updates. That said…I’m spooling back up and there are SO many exciting things that I’ve been working on in secret that are on the wings and ready for primetime.

But back to the film…don’t sleep on this film next week. Before I broke in as a writer I did work clearing clips and music — and I can only imagine what that was like for this film. The interviews from the family and collaborators are the best. There’s real profound insight into his life from your favorite comedians, and wisdom from Conan O’Brien, and Bill Murray — who, has NEVER been more disarmed, comfortable and human as an interview subject. Its’ really a special film that I was grateful to see in a theater with the filmmakers. Ryan shared this on instagram, so I feel like it’s fair game. Here’s Martin Short’s signature spit take from last night.

I was privileged a long time ago to hear Ray Bradbury speak at an LA Times Festival Of Books at the turn of the century, and he spoke at length about

— Naming what you love.

— Advocating what you love.

— Nourish what you love.

— Create what you love.

It’s what I aspire to in my work, and the makers of this film clearly loved John, and John’s love of his family and work shine as bright as the sun.

One programming note before I bounce:

I’ll be tabling with signing times to come in Artist Alley hosted by Comic Sketch Art at F-31. Bring your whatever and I’ll sign it. Don’t believe me? Here’s another video.

Thanks for reading, more soon.

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