E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote

Synopsis:
A boy befriends an alien stranded on Earth.

Impressions:
You'd think I would've seen a film this significant before. I mean, I've seen bits and pieces over the years, but I never sat down and watched the entire thing until recently. I won't say it's my favorite of Spielberg's films, but I'll admit that it did its job of charming me. The eponymous alien is the poster child of "ugly cute" and baby Drew Barrymore is positively adorable. Overall, the film is a nice aversion to the typical alien menace story and even the guys from the government, while in an antagonistic role, aren't really bad. It's funny, really. I can remember seeing the docs and such as being menacing when I was a kid, just as Elliott did, but in truth they're actually doing everything they can to help. It's quite effective. And of course we can't ignore John Williams memorable score. "Flying" is one of the most iconic pieces he's ever done.

Happily, the farce of the 20th anniversary edition has been swept away. If you're not familiar with it, look it up. Spielberg repented his bout of silliness. If only George Lucas could do the same...

Anyway, this is a movie well worth seeing. Even if you go in somewhat skeptically, I'm pretty confident you'll walk away satisfied. Give it a watch.

Rating:
Watch It