E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is rated PG:

It seems academic to run through the synopsis of a movie as renowned as this one. Simply put: A boy named Elliot (Henry Thomas) meets an alien and they become best friends. It's a story that personifies every child's dream of the ultimate imaginary playmate, and keeps adults enchanted as well.

Spielberg's movies never run down a straight path without a strong ethical message woven amongst carefully chosen shots and well executed scenes. Let's face it, a cute story about an alien who gets lost could be done much more simply than this. At times Spielberg does shoot for the cute, like when E.T. races across the bedroom, fleeing from Elliot's little sister. But more often he adds amazing emotion to a scene with something as simple as having Elliot's breath collecting on the window of the frozen casket where E.T., now presumed dead, has been placed.

Tolerance, the importance of loving one another, and the security of home are strongly emphasized throughout E.T. These positive themes more than outweigh content that may be of concern to parents -- mainly a few obscenities from the older kids. No doubt younger children may be scared during the original discovery of E.T., but the fright soon turns to love, as the creature's best intentions are felt. The touching scene at the end, as Elliot says goodbye to his friend, will probably pull tears from even the toughest viewers.

Even with the incredible developments made in special effects over recent years, E.T. holds its own as a believable story. If you are a child, it would have you thinking, "Yes! That's what I'd do if I found an E.T." As an adult, it leaves you wondering how much there is in this world that we don't know for sure.

E.T. is a treasure that shouldn't be missed. Take this opportunity to view it with the many children that have not had the chance to experience it's magic. Surely there will be a renewed onslaught of E.T. toys and marketing hoopla, so watch your wallets and enjoy the movie.

Studio: Universal Pictures.

Twenty years after its first showing on the big screen, E.T. makes another appearance. Check out our review of the anniversary edition.