E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982)

In this article, we will be looking at 2019’s book “1001 Movies to See Before You Die” and going through each film in a random order that I have chosen. We will be looking at what constitutes this film to be on the list and whether I think this film deserves to be here at all. I want to make perfectly clear that I won’t be revealing details from this book such as analyses by film reporters who have written about the film in question, so if you want the book itself you’ll have to buy it. But I will be covering the book’s suggestions on which films should be your top priority. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that everyone reading this article has probably watched many of these movies anyway. But we are just here to have a bit of fun. We’re going to not just look at whether it should be on this list but we’re also going to look at why the film has such a legacy at all. Remember, this is the 2019 version of the book and so, films like “Joker” will not be featured in this book and any film that came out in 2020 (and if we get there, in 2021). So strap in and if you have your own suggestions then don’t hesitate to email me using the address in my bio. Let’s get on with it then.

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) dir. by Steven Spielberg

Now, if you have not watched E.T then you really must have had one horrible childhood and I feel sorry for you. I loved this film as a kid, and when I say I loved it, I mean I adored it. I have seen it so many times and it has never left my heart for a second. It is one of my most cherished memories of film as a child - sitting with a bowl of popcorn to watch E.T because it came on television again, or because my mother had put in the video tape. I can honestly find no fault with this movie whatsoever; it suits every age group, every demographic and is enjoyable to every single type of person around.

Roger Ebert agrees with me as he gave the film four our of four stars upon its release and stated the following about the movie:

"This is not simply a good movie. It is one of those movies that brush away our cautions and win our hearts.”

He would later add it to his list of Great Movies. Rolling Stone Magazine also weighed in on the action, making comments on the director, Steven Spielberg and his amazing masterpiece of modern cinema. Calling him:

"a space age Jean Renoir. ... for the first time, [he] has put his breathtaking technical skills at the service of his deepest feelings…”

Rotten Tomatoes has it up with generally favourable reviews and it holds over a ninety percent rating on what is called ‘Certified Fresh’. The critical consensus reads as such:

"Playing as both an exciting sci-fi adventure and a remarkable portrait of childhood, Steven Spielberg's touching tale of a homesick alien remains a piece of movie magic for young and old.”

Richard Attenborough, the director of “Gandhi” which won that year’s award for Best Picture even though E.T as well was nominated, stated this about Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece:

"I was certain that not only would E.T. win, but that it should win. It was inventive, powerful, [and] wonderful. I make more mundane movies.”

It went on to win so many awards that I’m not even going to bother to list them because there are not only so many but there are so many people who had something good to say about the film. I do not think I have ever actually read a bad review for this movie at all, I have never been able to find someone who has said something negative about any of it. Do not be the first person I have to encounter who does not like it or has not watched it - watch it, love it and keep it in your heart forever. It is impossible not to love that little alien friend of ours.