Sheer Excellence!

Rating: 10/10 (11 October 2008)

"E.T. The Extraterrestrial" has always been a favorite movie of mine since I saw it as a kid. There are many aspects as to I like this film, but the biggest reason is the character E.T. a diminutive, mushroom-shaped headed alien with two big eyes.
To briefly put the plot of "E.T.", it is about a boy named Elliot who finds and befriends an alien who has been left behind. The movie pulls me into it like a melodrama. Rather than focusing on dialog, since E.T. doesn't speak, his/its pair of big eyes and human-like facial expressions grasps me through the many emotions he/it expresses. When he/it does speak, it is minimal and rudimentary-almost nonverbal like a parrot and his words are from the heart.
The fictional character E.T. touches and brings gladness to my heart every time I see it, and every time I think about him/it. It fills my heart with innocence, hope, and good cheer. The movie reminds of the imagination I had as a child, as well as the innocence. In addition, the film's "feel good" attitude has outstanding visual effects, beautiful cinematography, and John Williams' ultimate score (second to "Star Wars"). Henry Thomas's performance as the boy Elliot is among the best I've seen in a child actor. He doesn't sound rehearsed or coached like so many other child actors are; he is sheer excellence and believable as a kid who wants a friend and gets his wish.
This movie also has some of Steven Spielberg's most brilliant direction, an individual who can tell a unique and great narrative, supported by awe-inspiring camera shots and angles, (particularly with the bicycle sequence). "E.T." is a movie that is to be seen for all ages. It will make you laugh, tense, and even cry. 10/10