On the 20th anniversary of its 1982 release, ET is as winning as ever. This enchanting story about a strange little guy from another world who gets left behind on earth works on every level it aims for and some that maybe were unintended. The triumph of simple rightness is pure delight. Many have put allegorical and metaphorical spins on this perennial audience favorite but one need not explore them to get a full measure of satisfaction.
ET is gathering a sapling from a forest in central California when the harsh sights and sounds of humans in aggressive pursuit abruptly surround his space ship. He is separated from the craft as it escapes the menacing humans and ET is left behind. He encounters 10 year old Elliot in the garden shed behind his suburban home, similarly forlorn by virtue of being a bit of an outsider. The ensuing bonding in empathy between the two creatures is the heart of the film. Who could fail to identify with either of these wonderfully unassuming heroes?
The new 20th anniversary release has been digitally remastered and there is some added footage. State of the art in 1982, the special effects are perhaps not quite as dazzling as the most recent, but the mood they create work wonderfully well in transporting us with Elliot to this illusory world. The fantasy motif created by the misty forest and clouds floating on the full moon work like a story told by a beloved grandparent to a young child, no matter what the age of the viewer. The use of the story of Peter Pan is a clever story within the story.
The intrusion of presumptuous government agents, who thoughtlessly and secretively pursue ET, is a quite timely metaphor for present world tensions. Criticized by some at its initial release for depicting the adults as evil or menacing, it would serve us well to study ET and learn how the US government might be justly perceived as unlikable by much of the world today.
Seven-year-old Drew Barrymore is delightful as little sister Gertie, who is as innocent as ET is wise. Gertie quickly sees that ET is also smart and she teaches him to speak. He explores with curiosity, learns everything, puts things together, and soon has found a way to signal his whereabouts to his species. ET is adorable. He is gentle. He is funny. Dee Wallace is perfect as the woeful but resourceful and loving mother. Elliot's teenage brother Michael gives just the right balance of torment and support to his brother. This is director Steven Speilberg at his best. This re-release offers a wonderful chance for a new generation to see this delightful film as it should be seen on the big screen-with some Reeses Pieces to munch.
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