Flashback Friday : E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

 

Another Friday, another classic gem to uncover. This time I want to highlight yet another Steven Spielberg production and I swear I am not lining up my reviews by actors or directors, it's just the way my mind works. This sci-fi flick is very much a family movie, perfect for a Sunday afternoon! There are so many heart felt moments that make it such a memorable watch. I remember watching this as a kid with my family. The movie also has references to Spielberg's good friend and collaborator George Lucas's films. In one of the scenes we see the main protagonist Elliott introduce ET to his Kenner Star Wars action figures, and in yet another scene, we see a kid dressed as Yoda from Lucas's The Empire Strikes Back.

The story follows a very simple arc. ET arrives in a space craft and sets off to explore the forest. He gets so engrossed that he doesn't get back to his craft and is left behind. He seeks out shelter in a shed that so happens to be at Elliott's home. On hearing some sounds from the shed, Elliott checks out the source ,and encounters ET for the first time. He bonds with ET  and he tries to keep him hidden in his bedroom. Soon he is forced to disclose ET to his elder brother and little sister. They instantly take to him and his sister even disguises ET by dressing him up. They also discover that ET has the power to heal wilted plants and levitate bicycles.

Elliott assist ET in his quest to obtain items to create a communication device so he can phone home. The authorities that have been investigating the forest incident soon track ET to Elliott's home. ET falls mysteriously ill and Elliott somehow falls ill too. Just as the authorities start studying ET, he starts to fade away. Just when everything seems lost, the wilted potted flowers is restored. Elliott and his brother bust ET out and ET helps them evade the cops by levitating the bike convoy over the road block. Elliott gets ET back to the site in the forest where he successfully contacts his brethren. After an emotional farewell, ET departs for his home! Although not one of Spielberg's VFX laden productions, I highly recommend watching this movie for its emotional core!