Still holds up to this day

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2008)

I don't cry at movies. ET made me cry. Yes, there are parts that are incredibly cheesy. Yes, this movie did spawn Pod People and Mac and Me, two prime examples of cinematic train-wrecks. Yes, I am fully aware that Steven Spielberg is playing with my emotions.
But if anyone is going to toy with my feelings, he's probably about the best one to do it.
In so many respects, this 26-year-old film holds up incredibly well. Doubtless, if it were to be released today, the character of E.T. would have been computer animated; indeed, much of the film would have been made using that medium. I'm not sure, though, even with today's advanced technology, that any computer image would have been able to emote so convincingly as the puppet used here. The actors, the puppeteers, the director - everyone worked together to such great effect to make the audience believe in that character. And despite the obvious emotional ploys on the way to the film's conclusion (the near-death, tearful goodbyes, etc.), it just feels natural to want to see E.T. happily home with his family again.
Between Spielberg's mastery of the language of film and John Williams' rousing, yet sumptuous score (the man might be one of the greatest composers of our time!), this film is masterfully made and a wonder to watch. Although it seems a cliché by now, don't be afraid to let this film move you!