E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Synopsis of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

Both a classic movie for kids and a remarkable portrait of childhood, E.T. is a sci-fi adventure that captures that strange moment in youth when the world is a place of mysterious possibilities (some wonderful, some awful), and the universe seems somehow separate from the one inhabited by grown-ups. Henry Thomas plays Elliott, a young boy living with his single mother (Dee Wallace), his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton), and his younger sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore). Elliott often seems lonely and out of sorts, lost in his own world. One day, while looking for something in the back yard, he senses something mysterious in the woods watching him. And he's right: an alien spacecraft on a scientific mission mistakenly left behind an aging botanist who isn't sure how to get home. Eventually Elliott puts his fears aside and makes contact with the "little squashy guy," perhaps the least threatening alien invader ever to hit a movie screen. As Elliott tries to keep the alien under wraps and help him figure out a way to get home, he discovers that the creature can communicate with him telepathically. Soon they begin to learn from each other, and Elliott becomes braver and less threatened by life. E.T. rigs up a communication device from junk he finds around the house, but no one knows if he'll be rescued before a group of government scientists gets hold of him. In 2002, Steven Spielberg re-released E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in a revised edition, with several deleted scenes restored and digitally refurbished special effects. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

115 mins

Director(s):

Steven Spielberg

Writer(s):

Melissa Mathison

Producer(s):

Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

PG(Child Classic, Watch With Your Kids, Adult Language, Scary Moments, Alcohol Consumption)

Categories:

Family & Kids, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

• 1998 - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies
• 1982 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Anthony Asquith Award
• 1982 - Golden Globe - Best Picture - Drama
• 1982 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
• 1982 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Original Score
• 1993 - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry
• 1982 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - New Generation Award
• 1982 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1982 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1983 - People's Choice Awards - Best Picture

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