E.T.




How do you explain school to a higher intelligence?

In 1982, Spielberg made yet another little alien movie. And somewhere along the way it has become engrained into our cultural mythology.

Ten year old Elliot (Henry Thomas) is part of your typical, dysfunctional American family. His mother (Dee Wallace Stone) has been divorced and left with the kids. Things are shaken up when Elliot meets our otherworldly visitor. The two become quick friends, while only Elliot's brother (Robert MacNaughton) and sister (the young and adorable Drew Barrymore) know about him. Before long, however, those pesky alien snoopers are hot on the trail and it's up to Elliot to help his new friend who has become attached to him in more than one way.

Just after the success of Raider's of the Lost Ark, Spielberg made this classic tale of friendship and love. He does fine work here, tugging at every heartstring he can. And he pulls it off spectacularly. Combine this with the excitement and wonder invoked, and you've got a timeless movie. You can't top the exhilarating and memorable bike ride over the moon accompanied by John William's beautiful score. When Elliot shouts for joy, you're right there with him. It's pure cinema magic.

E.T also benefits greatly from a smart script. Witty and sharply realistic, it draws out the story well, giving all the characters depth. And the actors play these parts well. The spotlight is on the kids, and they deliver the goods (excluding the friends).

From the beginning to the end it is greatly appealing and at times genuinely moving. You get to feel for all the characters, especially our two lovable, wayward heroes. As E.T. learns about our culture, Elliot learns that friendship knows no bounds.



-The Gnome