E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - A Movie Review

E.T. phone home.

Landing on earth in 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is a film about an alien-life-form getting life behind on earth. Not long after, a young boy meets the alien. Trying to help E.T. return home, Elliot finds out that he cannot keep his new friend secret for long.

On my most recent watch of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, I don’t think I blinked during the most amazing cinematic ending, feeling tears in my eyes. Anybody who has seen this movie will always remember the famous flying over the moon scene. E.T. is an extraordinary film about an unlikely friendship.

Henry Thomas was offered the role of Elliot on the day of his audition because of his authentic emotion. As a young boy who is not too sure of himself, Elliot’s growth is a remarkable part of the story. Elliot constantly fought for himself and E.T. Thomas had a terrific range of emotion.

The design for E.T. has always impressed me. In actuality, a 2’10’ man and a 12-year-old boy with no legs performed a couple of scenes as the eccentric alien. Have you ever wondered how performed that raspy voice of E.T.’s? Pat Welsh and other recordings of animals provided E.T’s vocals.

Elliot and E.T.’s friendship is so endearing. My favorite scenes were Elliot teaching his alien friend everything about the human world. They share an emotional connection. E.T. actually felt like a real creature who I became attached to as a kid.

The sibling relationship between Elliot, Michael, and Gerdie is something that I never paid attention to until now. They become closer because of E.T.

I liked Michael’s (MacNaughton) transformation turning from an obnoxious kid to a protective older brother. And Barrymore was so cute in her childhood innocence trying to make sense of the situation. Change is a notable theme in E.T.

Known as ‘The Mom from E.T.’, Dee Wallace is terrific. Although she is type-cast as a mother, Mary is fierce and is always protective of her kids. As a single mother, Mary is relentless, but she knew when to back away, letting her kids take leadership. I like that subtle detail about her.

Other credits to include are Peter Coyote, K.C. Martel, Sean Frye, the film debut of C. Thomas Howell, and a number of ensemble members. Michael’s friends were an unexpected element who learned an impactful lesson. No part is ever small. The scenes that take place in the classroom at Elliot’s school were funny.

E.T. was a huge success staying in theaters for a year! It’s because of E.T. that Reese’s Pieces became a popular candy. The shot of E.T. and Elliot flying over the moon was so popular that it became the logo for ‘Amblin Entertainment’.

Steven Spielberg filmed in chronological order so he could deliver a genuine friendship between the kids and E.T. It worked. Spielberg worked endlessly wanting the story to feel real, and connect with audiences. Everything from the music, acting, and special effects made E.T. a memorable film for all to enjoy.

Watching E.T. is very different as an adult than watching it as a kid. I forgot how grim the story became in the middle half of the movie. Young children might find the film unsettling. I enjoyed the movie when I was a kid, but some scenes scared me.

If you have not seen, E.T. I recommend that you do so immediately. It is a blast of nostalgia. It is an excellent film with one of the best climaxes.