E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is a feel good science fiction film. Produced and directed by Steven Spielberg the story of the film was based on an imaginary friend Spielberg created after his parents’ divorce. The film stars Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, and Dee Wallace.

At the time of its release ET became the most financially successful film beating even Star Wars. It has been claimed to be one of the greatest science fiction stories of all time. Audiences immediately brought the clumsy, short alien to their hearts and he has remained there ever since. Peppered with humour the film is a guaranteed tear jerker when ET and his human friends go on the run from the authorities and have a touching goodbye at the spaceship.

The film is a lasting favourite despite the sometimes overly saccharine scenes between the alien and his human friend. Many viewers found John Williams score played a great part in how they felt about the film. Throughout there are echoes of Spielberg’s own childhood including how he used to feign illness by holding a heat pack on his face.

When an alien survey ship visits Earth one of its crew is accidentally left behind. A young boy finds and befriends the alien. However, when the authorities start investigating the boy, his friends and siblings race to get ET back to his ship before they are arrested.

Cinema release 1982

Certificate U

Available on DVD and Blue Ray