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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

Spider-Man 2.1 (2004) Fathom Entertainment

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Spider-Man 2.1, First time with the Extended Cut in Theatres:

From Sony Pictures and Fathom Entertainment, the Spider-Man trilogy continues in cinemas for a limited run. Spider-Man 2.1 brings audiences in for a treat. 2.1 offers an extended cut of the film, which is fourteen minutes longer than the original theatrical release. The 14 additional minutes add meaning to the sequel and the franchise offering a few more webs of nostalgia. With Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man, Seabiscuit) as Peter Parker, Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) as Mary Jane, and Alfred Molina (Coffee and Cigarettes, Luther) as Dr. Otto Octavius, the extended cut has a lot more humor and cleverness of added layers in the 2004 classic sequel. But there are also more moments of darkness among the vengeful side of Harry Osborne, as he is played by James Franco (Spider-Man, The Company). Fans can expect a lot more confrontational tracks for a more invigorating ride of uncharted webs with Spider-Man 2.1.

Fathom Entertainment Features:

Before the film begins, audiences will have a chance to listen to the words of Alfred Molina as he discusses some of the details pertaining to his preparation for his role as evil scientist Dr. Otto Octavius. Molina goes deep into explaining his love for the comic book character, and  how he felt that the layers of the humor of the comic books helped fuel his personality with the role. The pre-show feature also includes discussion  of the technological outlines for working out Doc Ock’s  many electronic arms. The production design,  layout, and character development  feel like a grand entry into the classical (and extended and never-before-seen) sequel on the big screen. The dynamic of Molina and Maguire tango rapidly in this sequel, and audiences will have a glimpse at how Sam Raimi’s film still lives on twenty-plus years later. The revisited fun continues, and the enemies of Spider-Man always have their classical trials and errors. That is because Spider-Man always gets back up, and he even (tries) to encourage his enemies to find the good in themselves.

Worth the time?

The continued fun of Spider-Man with Sony and Fathom Entertainment is an opportunity not to be missed. Especially with Spider-Man 2.1 offering  moments that were never before seen in cinemas.  The extended sequel highlights the revenge of Harry, Peter trying to navigate his life as Spider-Man, and a new villain swarming New York. Spider-Man 2.1 is a sequel with additional layers that cannot be missed. For more special events with revisited classics visitwww.fathomentertainment.com 

Review also available on MovieArcher

https://www.moviearcher.com/movie-archer/classic-targets-in-4k/spider-man-2-1-2004

Film reviews

Anemone Review

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Daniel Day-Lewis once said he was done with acting after Phantom Thread. That is not the case with Anemone where he is back as an actor on top of his craft portraying someone with vengeance. The story’s writing has a foundation based on solitude and layers of underlying conflicts that go way back. The director is Daniel’s son Ronan Day-Lewis. Daniel wrote the film with his son. Anemone is a film about resentment, challenges, and acceptance. In a cinematic sense, it explores the question of when enough is enough. That question expands for seemingly endless miles in Anemone, across the unique landscapes, waters, and shores of Northern England. The vast landscapes weave all kinds of feelings through a dark and rugged terrain of cinematic wonders.

Daniel Day-Lewis plays Ray and Sean Bean plays Jem. Theirs is a brotherhood filled with hatred over many years and a dynamic that is completely thunderous with conflict. Much of this stems from the performance of Day-Lewis which is often rapid and petrifying. He always has a way to give emotion to humanistic characteristics when weaving in his character’s anger. Jem decides to try to make peace with Ray because he had an affair with Ray’s wife. A confusing dynamic is then created for Ray’s son Brian (Samuel Bottomley). Ray’s former lover Nessa (Samantha Morton) is now with Jem. She has tried countless times to reconnect with Ray, due to her concerns about Brian. Throughout this film, a bad past will simply not let go.

One of the most daring and egotistical portrayals I have seen from the talented Daniel Day-Lewis. He plays the role of wanting his vengeance to linger so well. He has that mind-boggling voice and twisted sense of humor that is not one to contend with. Sean Bean’s character keeps trying to make peace while also holding his anger. However, at the same time, the brotherhood connection remains strong. Elements of hate linger in cinematic qualities that are just beautiful yet monstrous. Daniel’s son, Ronan, has an effective eye for capturing humanistic qualities which explode given the anger although there are times when alternative outlets might be much healthier. 

The film is thought-provoking as it goes into uncharted territory that can chill audiences’ guts to the bone. The hatred in the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis, and the frustration in the performance of Sean Bean are both so pure. It is a brotherhood filled with jealousy fueled by masculinity which causes the film to hit a cinematic reel of glory. The story hits it so hard becausethese actors’ efforts to burn up the screen succeed. Anemone may be one of the best films of 2025, and another resurrection of Daniel Day-Lewis. His life as an actor will always include spell-binding performances. He has a unique ability to bring back sides of his artistic repertoire with even more aggressive and thought-provoking performances. He always shines brightest in the British landscape where there is a setting of solitude. Three-and-a-half stars for Anemone.