E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

1 9 8 2 (USA)

The children's sci-fi fantasy that captured the hearts of the world. More than a movie, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became a cultural phenomenon that blossomed into a global hit. At the start of the film, a group of extra-terrestrial botanists make a visit to earth, accidentally leaving behind one of their party.

The E.T. makes its way to the home of ten-year-old Elliot, the middle child in a single parent home. Fearful at first, Elliot befriends the stranded visitor, luring him back to the family home with a trail of Reese's Pieces.

The boy adopts the alien as his personal playmate, eventually letting older brother Michael and kid sister Gertie in on the secret. As E.T. adjusts to his new surroundings (learning English, sampling Earth brew), he and Elliot develop a symbiotic relationship, feeling each other's pain and emotions. And when E.T. gets homesick (literally), the two work together to contact E.T.'s planet, avoid the suspicious government officials looking for E.T., and ride off into the sunset (again literally).

Filled with magic, wonder and unapologetic sentimentality, E.T. became the top-grossing film to date, winning audiences back for second, third and tenth viewings.

Featuring confident, natural performances from the young leads, the film won Oscars for its sound, special effects, sound effects editing and John Williams' stirring score.

In 2002, E.T. got a digital facelift and a few restored scenes for a 20th Anniversary release, introducing a new generation of kids to the big-eyed alien with the glowing heart.

TRIVIA NOTE
Harrison Ford was cast as the school principal, but his only scene was cut. Director Steven Spielberg decided his presence in the film would be too distracting.