E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Rating: 10/10 (13 July 2005)

I remember seeing it as a kid, and the ending making me cry, and seeing it again (properly), it is a great film from Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated director Steven Spielberg (Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan) that still does. He based it mainly on his childhood, the divorce his parents and wanting a friend. Anyway, basically an alien is left behind on Earth, and young Elliot (BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated Henry Thomas) befriends him, along with his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and younger sister Gertie (seven-year-old BAFTA nominated Drew Barrymore). They teach him how to speak and keep him safe from harm of the adults (who you see from the point of view of E.T. or a kid, i.e. mainly just legs). E.T. unfortunately has some kind of accident and is discovered dying by the government who try to save him. In the end, after escaping the authorities, E.T. did manage to communicate to his kind, and in the tearful ending he says goodbye to everyone and does go home. The bicycle flying is wonderful, especially across the Moon (which became Amblin Entertainment's logo), the Oscar winning music by John Williams is magical, and E.T. is a very lovable character. The extra footage put in, and some reconstructed as part of the 20th anniversary re- release is also fun. It won the Oscars for Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, and it was nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen and Best Picture, it won the BAFTA for Best Score, and it was nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Make Up Artist, Best Production Design/Art Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Special Visual Effects and Best Film, and it won the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Original Score, and it was nominated for Best Screenplay. Steven Spielberg was number 56 on The 100 Greatest Pop Culture Icons, the film was number 15 on 100 Years, 100 Quotes ("E.T. phone home."), it was number 14 on 100 Years of Film Scores, it was number 44 on 100 Years, 100 Thrills, it was number 1 on The 100 Greatest Tearjerkers for the ending, it was number 1 on The 100 Greatest Family Films, it was number 31 on The Ultimate Film, it was number 6 on 100 Years, 100 Cheers, it was number 25 on 100 Years, 100 Movies, and it was number 21 on The 100 Greatest Films. Outstanding!