E.T.,The Extra-Terrestrial

This is what happens when you attach the base of sentimentality to a potential blockbuster. It explores its characters and they drive the plot forward through hilarious and sometimes touching moments. Steven Spielberg uses the absence of a father figure (something he internally dealt with), the hardships of growing up and the meaningful bond of true friendship to tell a story that is far more compelling than it could have been set out to be. Here we see what happens when care and real passion is put into not only the direction and story, but also all other aspects of production. This film will help take you home to a place where real values are admired among the typicality of modern blockbusters.

Steven Spielberg has brought so much thought on soul and heart to this groundbreaking and original masterpiece about an odd couple. Nothing could be more charming and engaging than a child (not an adult) who's imagination is about to become reality when he had an encounter with someone that is not an earthling, a small alien with strong feelings. Pat Welsh voices E.T the extra-terrestrial itself, and Pat has given a powerful and unforgettable voice performance that remains timeless, because Pat has the talent to provide a sound that is very strange but has a gentle and spiritual soul to it. The effects are absolutely well-executed; from the green screen, to the magic wizardry, and to the practical effects, it's hard to believe what's real and what's not real. The design of E.T. is exactly what a friendly alien would look like, and the personality of E.T. shows us that he has eyes for curiosity and investigation and sometimes his curiosity can lead to some mischief, not to mention that he has a strong connection towards Elliot, and Elliot has a strong friendship bonding towards E.T. The acting from the whole cast is absolutely superb, Especially Henry Thomas who plays Elliot; Henry seems to know how to act with realism, and he is trying to believe that it's a real situation, and the E.T. animatronic is so convincing, the actors on set believed that the alien character is really there. That is how great the acting is. Elliot also has a caring heart for animals too, like he knows that frogs live in rivers and ponds, jumping free and in the wild, and they don't deserved to be man-handled and kept aggressively. The screenplay was written masterfully and the cinematography/imagery is very memorable and timeless. Steven Spielberg knows how to make a movie emotionally effective just by using the pacing, the build-up, and unforgettable plot twists. The score by John Williams has the very definition of a very emotional and very dramatic score, his score really beefs up every single element for the movie's narrative, and John Williams knows where his music cues will play and when he will use them at the right time. The film has a lot of strong messages about friendship, loyalty, trust, communication, empathy, sacrifice, and not judging someone on the outside. The final resolution on how this movie ends is very gratifying, well-written, well-paced, and made me smile while my hands are on my heart. To conclude: From what Steven Spielberg experienced in his personal life, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has his own emotion and his own heart written all over it. Not only is E.T. one of the best movies from the 1980s, it is also the best Steven Spielberg movie I have ever seen in my whole life. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Highly recommended.

Pure magic, I cry buckets at many scenes. Speilberg is a genius. It is also an interesting time capsule. I was born in the seventies and this movie is nostalgic for me in the extreme. A simple, happy time. The kids today have zero clue how much fun we had, but it was a rougher time in certain ways. This movie brings back all the joy. Thank you to Stephen Speilberg and the wonderful cast. You can see their innocence. Just a great heart warming movie.