Film reviews

John Candy: I Like Me Review

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A documentary by Colin Hanks about a beloved actor is here. John Candy was a man who cared greatly about others. In this film, the story of his life is seen through the eyes of many. John Candy: I Like Me is not only engaging, but also a reminder of what good can come when always striving to stay positive. This is a vivid portrait of success that explores Candy’s trials and errors. John Candy: I Like Me made my heart ache because of the honest and in-depth exploration of his life.

The film focuses on John Candy and includes interviews with Tom Hanks, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Steve Martin, and many more. A lot of the content talks about his time at Second City in Chicago and his days in Toronto, his hometown. There is a lot to know about John Candy.  The weight of professional success greatly impacted John, but it was also a lot for him as well. John Candy: I Like Me paints the portrait that being a winner does not always result in the positive picture everyone imagines.

Many of the discussions in the film go back to John’s son, Chris Candy. Chris discusses how he has coped with his father’s death, but also what his father was like as a human-being. While sharing many inspirational stories, he also elaborates on where he feels things went wrong. The celebrities interviewed for the documentary do so as well, especially the ones he was closest to.  Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray displayed lots of concerns. The many pounds John gained were influencing his impact, but his fame already so established that his thinking was altered. Deep-down, however, his caring heart was what made him special.

Audiences will feel they are in the mind of Candy as his world is revisited. From the many moments of laughter in his classics ranging from Home Alone to Uncle Buck to The Great Outdoors, and so many more. John Candy: I Like Me is a one-of-a-kind gem which captures the essence of human kindness and made this documentary hit home for me. There is a lot to think about when it comes to the many hurdles that John faced, but still, he was there for so many.

The upbeat energy in the Chicago Theatre where I attended this screening was fueled by producer Ryan Reynolds, Chris Candy, and Jim Belushi. It was the ultimate discussion of legends that made this documentary come to life. Each of them shared their own unique perspective on John’s personality which led to a joyful evening. The heartfelt energy flowed during and after the movie which made it a truly magical night.

There is a part of the documentary in which they interview Macaulay Culkin. What I appreciated is how Macaulay elaborated on the fact that he was not close to his father growing up. However, during Home Alone, John was thoughtful enough to check in regularly on Macaulay. Being there for someone is an important way that John demonstrated his kind nature. John Candy: I Like Me is full of positive memories messages. Although it doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships he faced, it shines with John’s greatest moments. Four out of four stars.

Film reviews

After The Hunt Review

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Boundaries are crossed in After the Hunt, a film in which lies come back into play with disciplinary matters at hand. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this film’s writing is disturbing yetrealistic in a fictional #Metoomovement scenario. This story paints a vivid portrait in a college setting. The film has moments which provide context around egotistical matters some of which get dismissed based upon harsh choices.

After the Hunt reminded me of the characteristics of individuals who think they are untouchable. The film involves two professors, and a student. The student has been assaulted by one of the professors, and the other professor hears the story from the student. The fictional plot takes place at Yale University. The main character is Alma (Julia Roberts), one of the professors. The professor in the assault scenario is Hank (Andrew Garfield), and the student is Maggie (Ayo Edebiri). Initially, all of them are close, but that ends when Maggie discloses her story to Alma. This begins to make the film a moving portrait of politics and mixed decisions. This leads to stress and anxiety for the audience as the accusations spread through various red flag channels.

The storyline is logical and transparent. Colleagues get involved and the pressure of tenure plays a role in the controversy as does maintaining personal integrity. However, Guadagnino displays that status does not protect a hundred percent in After the Hunt. However, he also demonstrates that there are consequences for the survivor as well. At this point in the movie, I began to feel disturbed. As someone who has dealt with many stressors in my life, After the Hunt reminded me of how important it is to think things through before jumping to conclusions or seeking help from authorities. In Maggie’s case, she starts building an audience, but that serves to barricade Alma. The pressure grows as the search for justice continues. 

It is important to see After the Hunt with an open mind. Thereal-world issues explored in the film may be hard for some to watch, especially those involving assault. After the Hunt is vivid as it poetically weaves back-and-forth between the witnesses, the victim, and the survivor. At the same time, however, it becomes clear that there are potential irreparable consequences for everyone involved.

The impact of information is highlighted in a bold, cinematic way in After the Hunt. The performances of Roberts, Garfield, and Edebiri all serve a purpose in supporting the storyline through their unique voices in the controversial matter. The college campus provides the vital background into uncharted territory which creates an impactful landscape. Guadagnino’s continued presence around the campus spirals in moments that are anxiety-provoking. It makes audiences ponder how someone could go to work every day in the face of such intense stress.

Two of the supporting characters deliver purpose in this film as well. There is Kim (Chloe Sevigny), a doctor and colleague of Alma. There is also Frederik (Michael Stuhlbarg), Alma’s husband. Both are distractors in Alma’s life. Roberts’ performance transcends into a downward spiral of anxiety where both characters serve as outlets for her. At the same time though, there is a looming question about how much they can tolerate. Despite the chaos in the film, it is an intriguing story about how detrimental reality can be. Three out of four stars for After the Hunt.

 

Film reviews

Roofman Review

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Directed by Derek Cianfrance and based on a true story, Roofman may be one of the best films of 2025. Based on actual events with realistic components that touch the heart, it maintains its writing and characterizations with realism. This film is just stellar with wide ranges of tour-de-force performances by Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage. A lot of nostalgic feelings came to me, especially since the film takes place in a Toys “R” Us store. A criminal runs from the law, but also attempts to start over, but the common ground has misconceptions with a solid purpose. No one does it better than Cianfrance.

Tatum is Jeffrey Manchester, a criminal known for breaking into places via the roofs. This is how he makes most of his profits. Then there comes a point where he gets caught and spends many years in prison. Once that happens, he escapes and finds himself in a Toys “R” Us store. He utilizes the store as his base to hide from the law. He creates a living space and messes with the security systems. What can go wrong?

As he spends his days throughout the store he finds meaning, with moments of him doing  narration about what he is learning from his solitude. It is a representation of wanting to start over. Even though this takes place in the quirkiest of places, it is a true story that thrives on it’s realism to captivate. Tatum knocks it out of the park. Especially with his witty personality among learning the people who work in the Toys “R” Us. He learns about Mitch (Dinklage), a not-so-understanding store manager, who is oblivious to the fact that Jeffrey is hiding in his store. Then there is also Leigh (Dunst), a store employee, who Jeffrey finds a way to form a relationship with. To get the many positives of his life, the store becomes his vehicle and works to his advantage.

The realistic consequences await on the other side in Roofman. The shadiness of what is going on is writing on the wall. Cianfrance creates this pattern that shows that Leigh loves Jeffrey, but that she also feels there is something fishy about him. Jeffrey is on the run from the law, and the Toys “R” Us is out there. One wrong move can mean his life is over. The direction of Cianfrance is one that has audiences wondering how heavy the consequences can be in Roofman. At the same time though, he dazzles the characterization of Jeffrey wanting redemption more than anything. He also provides perspective that Jeffrey’s intention may be good, but his choices are just flawed.

This is such a fascinating true story that feels like audiences are playing along within the film. I felt like I was strolling through an empty Toys “R” Us repeatedly. I also wondered when Dinklage was going to go into panic mode. It came around alright, and he nailed it well. A championship true story of laughs, seriousness, and honesty. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Roofman.

 

 

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