Liked It As A Kid, Love It Now

Rating: 10/10 (16 October 2017)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is a Family Sci-Fi film starring Henry Thomas and directed by Steven Spielberg. It's about an alien being who was left behind on Earth when his spaceship took off after almost being discovered by human beings. He hides out until they leave until he is finally seen by a young boy named, Elliot. After learning how to speak, E.T. tells the 3 children that he wants to phone home and they try and find a way to help him. This film was entertaining, well-written, well-performed and it is an overall amazing production. The best components of E.T. the Extra- Terrestrial are the music, the characters, and the actors.
The music is dramatic and majestic. It adds the perfect amount it magic to the scene that it is added to and enhances the overall message of the film. As Elliot is trying his best to walk around quietly and not be seen by the others, there is very soft and light piano music playing and as he is healed by E.T, the music increases slightly in volume and tempo as the two new friends watch his mom and sister read a bedtime story.
The 3 main characters in the film: Elliot, Michael, and Gertie are all imperfect and likable. Elliot is seen bragging about discovering E.T. and making Michael say that he has absolute power in order to reveal his discovery. He is also very smart and compassionate. Michael seems to be a big bully at first as he is seen making fun of Elliot. Upon meeting E.T., Michael slowly begins to reveal his soft side. The youngest sibling, Gertie, is naive, yet persistent. All 3 siblings are helpful and stubborn.
The actors who were cast to play the 3 main characters were an amazing choice. Even though they are all so young, they are able to convey the wants and needs of their characters. While Elliot is in class about to begin dissecting frogs, E.T. is sitting at home on the couch drinking beers. Even though Elliot is not even in the same building as E.T., you can immediately see that he is beginning to see the effects of the alcohol that E.T. is drinking even though it had not been said yet. Henry Thomas, the actor who plays Elliot, portrays this with his posture and facial expression.
I am awfully glad that I gave this film a re-watch as it is even better than I remember it. I had heard that this film is overrated but I would have to disagree. As the film continues, E.T., the character that will make you fall in love, gets increasing more Ill. The 3 siblings are unsure what to do and how to help him. Will E.T. ever get home? Why is E.T. sick? Is it too late to save him? Will he find a new home on Earth?