BlueBoyReviews
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The stage curtains open ...
"I like me."
Having just watched the new documentary, "John Candy: I Like Me", I had to watch my personal favorite John Candy performance as Del Griffith, in "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles". I honestly couldn't even tell you how many times I've watched this movie over the years. But, each time is always a renewed pleasure. I am also a huge fan of Steve Martin, so this is a perfect comedic pairing behind the direction of John Hughes, who was himself a master of his craft.
It is two days before Thanksgiving, and Neal Page is up against the clock trying to get home to Chicago from his business trip in New York before the turkey is served. That is easier said than done, as he finds out, when he has to overcome one obstacle after another due to crowds, weather, and unforeseen occurrence. He meets Del Griffith, an annoying and loud shower curtain ring salesman, who's traveling plans lies along the same path as his. Reluctantly, Neal has no choice but to team up with Del as the two go through every nightmare imaginable while they make their way across the sky, freeways and train tracks to home.
The first time I saw this was the year it was released, and it became an instant classic for me. I must've seen it a hundred times since. It's one of those movies I can quote every line from. It holds fond memories for me, bringing me back to a great time of my young life when I was first discovering the work of both Steve Martin and John Candy. They play off of each other so well in this road trip comedy. It's a shame that they didn't do any other movies together. I thought the soundtrack to this particular film was very unique, then again, most of Hughes's films were like that.
This is a near-perfect movie with two comic geniuses at their best and it comes with a very high recommend. Each scene is memorable, and the entire movie is vibrant with a lot of heart underneath the humor that really makes it work. The holiday "feels" are abundant as well, helping to make it a well rounded experience. And the ending was perfect, with a payoff that will touch your heart. I am already looking forward to my next 100 views.
"I like me."
Having just watched the new documentary, "John Candy: I Like Me", I had to watch my personal favorite John Candy performance as Del Griffith, in "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles". I honestly couldn't even tell you how many times I've watched this movie over the years. But, each time is always a renewed pleasure. I am also a huge fan of Steve Martin, so this is a perfect comedic pairing behind the direction of John Hughes, who was himself a master of his craft.
It is two days before Thanksgiving, and Neal Page is up against the clock trying to get home to Chicago from his business trip in New York before the turkey is served. That is easier said than done, as he finds out, when he has to overcome one obstacle after another due to crowds, weather, and unforeseen occurrence. He meets Del Griffith, an annoying and loud shower curtain ring salesman, who's traveling plans lies along the same path as his. Reluctantly, Neal has no choice but to team up with Del as the two go through every nightmare imaginable while they make their way across the sky, freeways and train tracks to home.
The first time I saw this was the year it was released, and it became an instant classic for me. I must've seen it a hundred times since. It's one of those movies I can quote every line from. It holds fond memories for me, bringing me back to a great time of my young life when I was first discovering the work of both Steve Martin and John Candy. They play off of each other so well in this road trip comedy. It's a shame that they didn't do any other movies together. I thought the soundtrack to this particular film was very unique, then again, most of Hughes's films were like that.
This is a near-perfect movie with two comic geniuses at their best and it comes with a very high recommend. Each scene is memorable, and the entire movie is vibrant with a lot of heart underneath the humor that really makes it work. The holiday "feels" are abundant as well, helping to make it a well rounded experience. And the ending was perfect, with a payoff that will touch your heart. I am already looking forward to my next 100 views.
The stage curtains open ...
"I like me."
Having grown up watching films starring John Candy, this was such a welcome celebration of the comedian, the actor, and the man that I have come to love and appreciate more and more over time. It is amazing to me how pertinent his films still are to me, even after decades of watching them. If I ever need to be lifted up or need a "feel good" kick in the ass ... John Candy is one of the first I will turn to. He always brings a much needed smile to my face.
Directed by Colin Hanks, this film showcases Candy's story from the beginning. How his father's death when he was only 5 years old would weigh heavy over him his entire life. His unselfish and giving nature to everyone around him, his role as husband and father, his involvement in the Canadian Football League, and his passion for life are all highlighted here. Not to mention his accomplishments as an actor/comedian over the years. I learned a lot about the type of man John Candy was from watching this. There were many things I was not aware of - and every single new thing I learned only deepened my appreciation for him. The film takes us up to his final moments in 1994, on location for his last film, trying to find comfort through the pages of the Bible, alone in his room late one night, just before he passed away at the age of 43.
This features interviews and comments from many notable people who were a major part of John Candy's life. From his wife and children, to his closest friends, to other actors and comedians - though I am sure Candy did count them all among his friends - and they with him. Wonderful stories and memories are shared, some I knew, others I had never heard before. Names like Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Bill Murray, Mel Brooks, Macauley Culkin, and Conan O'Brien all pay wonderful tribute to John with fond and kind words.
It is time well spent getting to know a side of John Candy as maybe you haven't seen before, and remembering him as you did know him. I highly recommend this film to those, like me, who knew his work well - as well as for those who aren't familiar with his films or comedy. The film is 2 hours long, but it goes by so fast, and when it is done, you want to watch it again, or put in one of his classic movies. "I liked" him too. But, that is an understatement. John Candy is loved by many, myself included.
"I like me."
Having grown up watching films starring John Candy, this was such a welcome celebration of the comedian, the actor, and the man that I have come to love and appreciate more and more over time. It is amazing to me how pertinent his films still are to me, even after decades of watching them. If I ever need to be lifted up or need a "feel good" kick in the ass ... John Candy is one of the first I will turn to. He always brings a much needed smile to my face.
Directed by Colin Hanks, this film showcases Candy's story from the beginning. How his father's death when he was only 5 years old would weigh heavy over him his entire life. His unselfish and giving nature to everyone around him, his role as husband and father, his involvement in the Canadian Football League, and his passion for life are all highlighted here. Not to mention his accomplishments as an actor/comedian over the years. I learned a lot about the type of man John Candy was from watching this. There were many things I was not aware of - and every single new thing I learned only deepened my appreciation for him. The film takes us up to his final moments in 1994, on location for his last film, trying to find comfort through the pages of the Bible, alone in his room late one night, just before he passed away at the age of 43.
This features interviews and comments from many notable people who were a major part of John Candy's life. From his wife and children, to his closest friends, to other actors and comedians - though I am sure Candy did count them all among his friends - and they with him. Wonderful stories and memories are shared, some I knew, others I had never heard before. Names like Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Bill Murray, Mel Brooks, Macauley Culkin, and Conan O'Brien all pay wonderful tribute to John with fond and kind words.
It is time well spent getting to know a side of John Candy as maybe you haven't seen before, and remembering him as you did know him. I highly recommend this film to those, like me, who knew his work well - as well as for those who aren't familiar with his films or comedy. The film is 2 hours long, but it goes by so fast, and when it is done, you want to watch it again, or put in one of his classic movies. "I liked" him too. But, that is an understatement. John Candy is loved by many, myself included.
The stage curtains open ...
Well, that was a disappointment. A sequel that didn't need to be made, unfortunately. Gone is the charm and good "feels" from the first film. Gone is a plausible story. Gone was the acting. Unfunny, mundane action, and to be honest, just a waste of time This one was a real stinker.
The Morgan family have seemingly moved on unscathed from their encounter with Dan's past life and things have returned back to normal. Their daughter is living abroad in London, their oldest son getting ready for college, and their youngest getting bigger every day. Dan is now a security specialist and consultant, having ditched his car salesman job for greener pastures. When news of Dan's father's passing while incarcerated comes out, so does another part of Dan's past that he wasn't even aware of. A half-brother who is hellbent on a revenge that is all his own. Once again, the Morgan's must come together or be destroyed.
I went into this one fresh from having re-watched the 1st movie (which I loved), and it started out with good promise. But once things start to get hectic again, and it's do or die as a family, it loses traction very fast and never regains its footing or momentum. The cast was uninterested and tired, especially Mark Wahlberg, who just didn't seem invested at all in the project. It was wearing thin very noticeably early on and could not recover. There was no focus, no continuity.
By rule, most sequels never really measure up to the original film, but this one drops the ball so badly all I could do was roll my eyes and shake my head. The story itself was weak and poorly written with dialogue so cookie cutter and average, that nothing could save it. I truly hope they don't make a 3rd film and try to make this a franchise. Even if they do, I doubt I would watch it anyway. Definitely not a recommend, not by any stretch of the imagination. I just hope this one hasn't tainted my viewpoint of the first one.
Well, that was a disappointment. A sequel that didn't need to be made, unfortunately. Gone is the charm and good "feels" from the first film. Gone is a plausible story. Gone was the acting. Unfunny, mundane action, and to be honest, just a waste of time This one was a real stinker.
The Morgan family have seemingly moved on unscathed from their encounter with Dan's past life and things have returned back to normal. Their daughter is living abroad in London, their oldest son getting ready for college, and their youngest getting bigger every day. Dan is now a security specialist and consultant, having ditched his car salesman job for greener pastures. When news of Dan's father's passing while incarcerated comes out, so does another part of Dan's past that he wasn't even aware of. A half-brother who is hellbent on a revenge that is all his own. Once again, the Morgan's must come together or be destroyed.
I went into this one fresh from having re-watched the 1st movie (which I loved), and it started out with good promise. But once things start to get hectic again, and it's do or die as a family, it loses traction very fast and never regains its footing or momentum. The cast was uninterested and tired, especially Mark Wahlberg, who just didn't seem invested at all in the project. It was wearing thin very noticeably early on and could not recover. There was no focus, no continuity.
By rule, most sequels never really measure up to the original film, but this one drops the ball so badly all I could do was roll my eyes and shake my head. The story itself was weak and poorly written with dialogue so cookie cutter and average, that nothing could save it. I truly hope they don't make a 3rd film and try to make this a franchise. Even if they do, I doubt I would watch it anyway. Definitely not a recommend, not by any stretch of the imagination. I just hope this one hasn't tainted my viewpoint of the first one.
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