The 5 Spot: John Candy

I just happen to be a part of the group of folks who believe that John Candy is one of the most underrated comedians of our time. His early career was a little more indicative of his comedic prowess as he helped foster the famed Second City comedy troupe out of Toronto, Ontario and helped that blossom into the highly revered Second City TV in Canada. Along with him at SCTV at that time were other great comedy minds like Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, and Harold Ramis.

Legend has it that John Candy was well-known in Hollywood as being a genuinely nice guy before his tragic heart-attack in March of 1994 while filming the movie Wagon's East in Mexico. Throughout his career he had a few extremely memorable roles and found success hooking up with other greats like Dan Akroyd and most notably John Hughes.

It's tough to pick 5 John Candy movies, but here's my stab at it!


#5- Uncle Buck (1989)- This classic movie is about a down-and-out man (Candy) who ends up having to babysit his 3 nieces and nephews. Along the way, they cause trouble, he teaches them some things, they teach him some things and everyone leaves better off...especially the veiwer.
Rating: B









#4- Nothing But Trouble (1991)- This is one of John Candy's last great movies and also holds the distinction of being the absolute weirdest. He plays a cop-with-a-kind-of-conscience in this wacky movie. I don't even know if I can begin trying to explain the plot, but you need to watch this if you haven't seen it because it is downright hilarious and revolting at the same time. I have to thank my buddy Michael for making me watch this a year or so ago because I didn't even know it existed. "That's what friends are fooooooorrr!"
Rating: B+





#3- Stripes (1981)- This movie kicked the 80s comedy scene into overdrive as the first pairing of Bill Murray and Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day) and also featured Candy as a Ox one of the hapless recruits that falls under the tutelage of Murray. Huge bonus points to this movie for being almost completely filmed in the wonderful and beautiful city of Louisville! Give it up for the Second Street Bridge!!
Rating: A-







#2- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)- This laugh-fest is about an uptight businessman (Martin) who's just trying to make it home for Thanksgiving when his plans are thwarted by a zealous and super-friendly salesman named Del Griffeth (Candy) who just happens to be going the same way. One of the original uncomfortably funny movies that makes you feel like something awful is about to happen around each corner. You'd be right for thinking so.
Rating: A






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and the best film that has ever starred the larger-than-life comedian...........

#1- Spaceballs (1987)- This comedy is one of the all-time greats written and directed by one of the all-time greats, Mel Brooks. This is easily one of Candy's most memorable roles as he plays the ridiculous Mog (half man, half dog) helping Lone Starr rescue Princess Vespa from Dark Helmet. Who would have known that there was so much comedy to be mined from Star Wars?
Rating: A+







Editors Note: While I wholeheartedly stand behind my picks, I do believe that there are a couple of roles worth noting. Who doesn't love him as the ogre-with-a-heart-of-gold Irv Blitzer in Cool Runnings or as the big-hearted-family-man Chet Ripley in The Great Outdoors. Another personal favorite of mine is the oft-overlooked role of his as the Polish-band-member Gus Polinski from Cheboygan in John Hughes' Home Alone.