Film Forum

U.S., 1982
Directed by Steven Spielberg
With Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore,
Approx. 115 min. DCP.

Left behind by his ship, a friendly alien befriends and bonds with lonely 10-year old earthling Elliot (Henry Thomas), as they both try to figure out how to “phone home.” But can they outrun (or fly) the research-hungry government scientists? A mega-blockbuster, at the time passing STAR WARS for top honors as highest-grossing film, nominated for nine Oscars, winning four (including one for John Williams’ unforgettable score).

Reviews

“Envelops you in the way that his CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND did. It’s a dream of a movie — a bliss-out.”
– Pauline Kael, New Yorker

“This is a real movie, with all those elements that have proved sure-fire through history; Laughter, tears, involvement, thrills, wonderment. Steven Spielberg also adds a message: Human beings and spacelings should learn to co-exist.”
– Bob Thomas, Associated Press

“E.T. thus comes to a beleaguered industry like a gift from the gods. Not only does it get bums on seats but it encourages the kind of shared enjoyment that suggests the cinema still has something unique to offer.”
– Derek Malcolm, The Guardian