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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

Heads of State Review

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A thriller based on a global threat starring Idris Elba, John Cena, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas is overrated for serious thought and more geared on laughs. In Heads of State, there are only two characters that are of major importance, Elba and Jonas. Because the UK has a central focus in the story, they fit the bill more effectively. Cena is literally the tag along who is tangential and relies upon his over-inflated ego to fuel the film’s comical mischief. This film’s writing seems initially to flow with promising value. Espionage and conspiracy are what sells the audience, but the outcomes of what is trying to be accomplished keep falling off track, In the end, the audience is left to think, “Where do the lines correlate?”

The setup is two political figures in mayhem. There is the US President Will Derringer (Cena) and the UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Elba). The undercover agent is Noel Bisset (Jonas). Will and Sam are two high-end individuals with big egos. Their personalities successfully fuel the joyful silliness that audienceswill cherish in Heads of State. Will used his fame to make his way to becoming President from acting gigs in major motion pictures. Sam earned his merit as the UK Prime minister by working his way up in the old school manner. Both struggle with some arrested development in different ways. At the same time, they must learn to survive together without killing each other.

Heads of State fuels the international vibe by having the film shift to various interesting locations including Italy, France, and Poland. Political and European espionage is spotlighted through the writing which is sometimes slapstick in nature and at the same time two-sided. The film has moments of stupidity but then comes back with funny punchlines. Many of the punchlines are based on the egos tangling between Will and Sam. Soon, however, they learn to work with each other to save their own lives as well as the ones that matter to them most. Despite the characters’ individual merits, the film is captivating because it is built upon a foundation of dark comedy mixed with a political flavor.

In all honesty, it is one-of-a-kind. The world may view Cena as a pro wrestler continuing to climb his way to bigger roles due to his celebrity. It may also view Elba as the British actor who many assume is the closest to the becoming the new 007. The film has some overrated moments, but they work together well at delivering a comedic boxing match. Overall, I found myself being sold on Heads of State especially given the fact that it has British culture woven throughout. The references to Fish and Chips play well in the celebratory scenes.

Do these two men escape? Are politics stronger than anticipated? These are pieces of a puzzle which grow deeper and fuel the fire for something more invigorating. A dazzling, albeit slightly mediocre circus of fun. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Heads of State.

Film reviews

Holland Review

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Holland, Michigan, provides a happy, pleasant, old-school setting for this film. The writing thrives in Holland which is one of the best dark comedies so far this year. Directed by Mimi Cave, who effectively plays with fire by creating a vivid dynamic between those who tango. Holland is one of the best dark comedies of 2025. A lot of my fascination came seeing things in a new light. When there is a movie with actors including Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfayden, and Gael Garcia Bernal, there is no doubt that characterizations will have illogical reactions.

The film focuses on Nancy (Kidman) and Fred (Macfayden) Vandergroot. Nancy is a teacher, and Fred is an eye doctor. They have one son, and his name is Harry (played by Jude Hill). Nancy is finding suspicious signs that Fred may be up to no good. There are frequent long absences and unexplained travel. These signs create a portrait that Nancy is having a hard time understanding. The brilliant part is the fact that Nancy wants to believe what she is thinking is not true and that she is overreacting, i.e., her suspicions are unfounded. The anxiety-producing side of Holland has an interactive approach that results in a grandeur of joy. Moving forward, Nancy has her friend Dave (Bernal) help her undertake some spying operations on Fred. They begin to see strange signs of dishonesty and more ugly truths. There is more than the audience will anticipate going on with Fred in Holland.

The valuable part of Holland occurs when things spiral indementedly hilarious ways. The performances of Kidman, Macfayden, and Bernal provide a bonkers level of enjoyment. While it seems like Macfayden is the antagonist, Holland is really about a town of full of hidden skeletons uncovered by a long road of discoveries. Holland is an intriguing and well-written satires that finds ways to test its audience. There has been mixed buzz around the film, but I was sold due to how it remains vividly in tune given all of it bizarre qualities.

This film offers a tale of wonders and a scavenger hunt for lies that do not want to be believed. What is it that Fred is hiding? What is it that Nancy believes? Why is the family in turmoil? The many answers are to be found in Holland, a one-of-a-kind comedy that is almost a home-run achievement. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.