In Case You Haven’t Heard: John Candy, ‘Highest 2 Lowest’

A documentary on legendary actor John Candy is set to premier next month, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s new movie “Highest 2 Lowest” is available on Apple TV, and the smash hit kids TV show “Bluey” is getting a featured film in this edition of “In Case You Haven’t Heard.”

Spike Lee’s new film “Highest 2 Lowest,” starring Denzel Washington, was supposed to be a wide release in theaters a couple weeks ago, but the game plan changed. Instead, it was released in a limited run but is now available to stream. This is the fifth time Lee and Washington have worked together. “Highest 2 Lowest” is a thriller, and tells the story of a music mogul, played by Washington, who is being ransomed. The film had its premiere at Cannes, but as of Sept. 5, you can now see it for free – sort of. You need an Apple TV subscription. 

I recently discussed the kid’s show “Bluey” on “Nite Lite” with my Civic Media colleague Stuart J. Wattles. During the interview, we talked about this great show that he watches with his kids. It’s funny, sweet and sort of hypnotic in moments. Stuart’s kids and all fans of “Bluey” will be happy to know there is a feature film version on the way. If you haven’t seen “Bluey,” prepare to be dazzled. Disney and BBC have announced that it will hit the big screen August 6, 2027.

If you’re game for making some early plans for Valentine’s Day 2026, there is a new softcore adult film that hits the big screen on that special day called “Wuthering Heights.” That’s right, this classic novel from the 1800s fell into the hands of Saltburn writer-director Emerald Fennell – who better to adapt Emily Brontë and add some Cinemax raunch? According to the New York Post, social media users compared the trailer to “50 Shades of Gray,” with many calling it softcore porn.

These days, that will most likely get more butts in the seats than a highbrow re-telling of an 1847 literary classic. “Wuthering Heights” stars Margot Robbie, who is also producing the film, and Jacob Elordi, who is, um, a contributor to part of the infamous bathtub scene in “Saltburn.” Fennell’s other credits include the show “Killing Eve,” which was a bit over the top but a fun watch, and “Promising Young Woman,” which was excellent. Judge for yourself what you think of the new iteration of “Wuthering Heights” by heading to the Google and checking out the trailer. 

Rarely do you see a documentary where there is nothing negative said about the subject. That’s because many documentarians pride themselves and their objectivity. Having said that, apparently there is nothing negative in a new documentary about actor-comedian John Candy because he was such a swell guy. 

“I Like Me” is directed by Colin Hanks who never shared the silver screen with Candy, but his dad, Tom, starred opposite Candy in “Splash” and “Volunteers.” Something interesting viewers will learn about Candy in this doc was that John Candy, who weighed over 300 pounds, never liked to get easy laughs because of his weight, and refused when asked do a scene shirtless. He was funny enough and relied on his incredible talent as an actor and comedian. Hanks showcases interviews with many of Candy’s co-stars and friends throughout his career, including Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Bill Murray, Andrea Martin, Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O’Hara, and Steve Martin.

If there really is nothing negative said about this incredible talent, it was most likely because Candy was beloved as a dad and family man and beloved in the Hollywood community. John Candy died in his sleep while filming “Wagons East” in 1994 at the age of 43. “I Like Me” drops on Prime October 10.

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join host Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 to 8 p.m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.