A children's classic - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Reviews

"E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" is not only a sci-fi classic but a masterpiece on its own. It won the hearts of both critics and audiences of all ages and dominated the box office (it remains the third highest grossing movie of all time). It also became yet another film that would increase belief that Steven Spielberg was the most talented director of our generation. The film has a basic but overall ingenious story. An alien botanist who is stranded on Earth forms a friendly bond with Elliott (Henry Thomas). Currently, Elliott's family is going through some rough times. His parents have just recently separated. His father isn't going to be around anymore. And so, in a way, E.T. becomes Elliott's surrogate father. E.T. has many abilities. He can heal, he is psychic, he can also make himself a very likable creature. Like Elliott and his sister (a very young Drew Barrymore), deep inside, I have a real soft spot for that odd looking thing. E.T., just like us humans, becomes homesick and Elliott realizes this. However, a few government agents have known E.T. was on Earth from the start and are on his trail. It is up to Elliott to safely get E.T., his friend, home. "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" is truly magical. This was a film so great and unique that it was copied, imitated, and spoofed for decades to come. Indeed, the film inspired an attraction at Universal Studios which has affectionately been named: "E.T.: The Ride." There have been many movies made that share a similar theme that is people outside of society or even the human race slowly understanding our lifestyles and gradually forming quite a strong bond with us. However, "E.T." was one of the first to truly shine with such a theme. Over time, smaller gems such as "Zelig" and "Lilo & Stitch" have made the same impressions as "E.T.," just not as powerfully. It's okay if the special effects don't hold up in the future. "E.T." is still an extraordinary film, with or without the visuals. It has imagination, creativity, and most of all, a whole lot of heart. I usually refrain from comparing "E.T." to sci-fi epics such as "Star Wars," because the two films had two completely different goals. They are similar in a way that they were both box office greats and were one of the first films of their kind to receive so much attention from the Academy Awards (Both movies were nominated for 'Best Picture' as well as 'Best Director'). But that's basically it. They do not share a similar storyline or setting. It's amazing. Most of the highest grossing films of all time are science fiction related ("E.T.," "Star Wars," "Jurassic Park"). This brings us to ask, "Why do audiences want to watch these movies?" The answer is quite simple: Because they want to see what humans today cannot achieve in reality. They want to see unimaginable things that have been brought to life. And so, here it is, "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," one of the most inventive and breathtaking films for children and adults. Now, I assume most have had the opportunity to behold such an astonishing movie. For those who haven't, you should not go on without seeing such a beautiful and touching piece of filmmaking, and I strongly recommend you see it.