E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

 

Genre: Sci-fi/ Adventure

Time: 1h 45mins

Director: Steven Spielberg

Quick Summary: A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.

This is a wonderful film that is incredibly touching and very emotional. As a child, I did not appreciate this film for what it was. A masterpiece. 

I loved how funny this was, I felt like I was constantly laughing at this. Mainly it was due to "E.T." running around screaming, or just simply shuffling about. Everything about him is just joyous, just watching him interact and learn human things was so entertaining. As funny as he was, he was also incredibly adorable as he learns to speak and show he cares for his new human friends. It's amazing to see how convincing they managed to make this small alien. 

I feel like this is impossible to dislike. Everyone performs so well, so much that you forget you're watching a film and not just looking into someone's life. All of them felt realistic and behaved as children would do in a scenario like this. Even the dynamics between them all were very realistic and didn't feel far-fetched. They trusted each other and did anything for each other, which you could clearly see throughout the movie. 

They all feel so relatable, as a child you can relate to the same characters and wonder what it would be like to find an alien in your backyard.  As an adult you can relate to the nostalgia of what it feels like to be a child, with a huge sense of adventure and determination. It really manages to hit all the right spots emotionally.

On paper, the plot is very simple; a young boy helps an alien get back home. There is so much to this because of that. It's incredibly heartwarming. The bond between "E.T." and Elliot is so believable and strong. No information feels left out. This is perfectly produced and tells its story perfectly.

As funny and light-hearted as it is, it gets really sad. It really tugs at your heartstrings. It manages to create such an emotional attachment with the viewer that not a lot of films can do. It's a tear-jerker and feel-good movie rolled into one which makes it incredibly unique. The soundtrack to this reflects this feeling quite playful at times strengthening a lot of the emotion within scenes, which is now incredibly iconic and recognisable to this film.

I adore this film, and it has become one of my favourites. It gets really emotional, but it's warm and loving. Strong values of family, lighthearted joy, grief, and wonder are all parts of this. A masterpiece of a film that tells its story more than perfectly.

10/10

"Elliott: He's a man from outer space and we're taking him to his spaceship.

Greg: Well, can't he just beam up?

Elliott: This is *reality*, Greg."

"Elliott: You could be happy here, I could take care of you. I wouldn't let anybody hurt you. We could grow up together, E.T."

"E.T.: [touching heart, about to leave] Ouuuuch!"