Good, but not great.

Rating: 7/10 (5 May 2008)

I have now seen this film twice now, and I have to say that I really cannot see what makes this film consistently appear on top 100 film lists as well as being called a tear-jerker. Perhaps I am just not sympathetic enough, but I really never felt that I was going to or should have cried at any moment in the film. This is probably due to the fact that it was intended for children, and it succeeds at doing that. Nevertheless, I wish Spielberg would have made it more accessible to adults as well, especially those who don't care whether or not extra-terrestrial life exists. There are other flaws as well, such as the explanation of why the aliens are one earth, why ET comes back to life after dying, and why the adults consider him so dangerous. Despite all this, there are some great heartwarming moments in it. Most of the acting is good, except for Henry Thomas, who I thought just whined his way through the film. The direction of Spielberg is good as usual, and John Williams' score is timeless as usual. Still, I cannot perceive this film as one of Spielberg's greatest achievements. Overall, I did like it more after seeing it a second time, but I don't see it getting onto my top 100 list anytime soon.