I did watch this movie at some point when I was a kid, but it was slightly before my time, and so I don’t love this movie for nostalgic reasons as I know many do, but I do love this movie. Which surprised me when watching this time actually, because I know I watched it as an adult about 10-ish years ago and I recall being bored! ==(A special thanks to a dear friend for prompting this viewing with my daughter.)==

Afterwards, I found myself trying to explain to my boyfriend that this film embodies for me what movies used to be. At least in terms of how now tons of content is just being pumped out continuously. A lot of it is good, but even so, so much of it is also easily forgettable the moment you’re done enjoying it. On to the next! Nothing is as special as it once had the chance to be. This is special. And I may or may not be in just the right age bracket to realize and understand that. I really have no idea if I’m expressing myself the way I’m intending to. But, the cinematography is epic, all the actors were phenomenal, and there’s no doubt that this movie is iconic!

From the IMDb trivia, which I highly recommend for more than just this:
>“Adjusted for inflation today, it's still the fourth highest-grossing movie of all time.”

**BONUS**: Also from the trivia I have discovered that there is a Michael Jackson narration of the _E.T._ story and it's posted on YouTube! This is especially exciting because my kiddo is a fan of his music.

I watched this several times as a kid, the last time I was probably about Elliot's age. I have brief memories but I remember watching it in awe.

Like most Spielbergs I think it aged well visually, the effects don't look too dated except maybe when they fly on their bikes. The E.T. suit looks pretty good and while the movements aren't always fluid it's passable because I believe an alien that looks like E.T. would totally move weird like that. The heart of this movie is of course the link between E.T. and the kids, it's all very cute and heartwarming. It nails the nostalgia element with the pov of being a kid and doing secret plans behind your parent's back. The acting is hit and miss, the actor playing Elliot is perhaps too young but he was still half believable (minus the crocodile tears). My favorite part is when we see E.T. for the first time, jumping out of a bush—quite the jumpscare and what an odd sound!

All that said though, I was bored a few times especially in the middle. It's too predictable, simple, childish and the story doesn't have enough going on to keep me fully invested as an adult. The third act and ending got me slightly emotional which is disappointing. I think the acting didn't help maybe? Overall this was a bit of a mixed bag, goes to show that childhood classics are sometimes better to stay in your childhood only.

**A RARE MAGICAL GEM**

E.T. The Extraterrestrial is a rare, unique once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget. It will be one of those movies that will stick with you forever. Spielberg's direction, the cinematography, the visual effects, the acting, and last but not least John William's sweeping score when all combined conjure magic and strong feelings deep inside. You won't want to miss this masterpiece. So, watch this movie immediately if you haven't seen it or put this movie in your watchlist and see it ASAP!!!

Some aliens stop by to collect some plant samples. They are spooked by people, flashing lights and dogs investigating the noise and flee - but they accidentally leave one of their number behind. This youngster takes refuge in the shed of a local family where he is discovered by the young "Elliott" (Henry Thomas) and soon the two have a special bond. Gradually the rest of his family are introduced, and they try to figure out how to get him home. Can they succeed before the ever vigilant authorities cotton on? This is just one of these films that is genuinely timeless. It's a love story, a sci-fi adventure, a tale of family, longing and loyalty - all set to superb John Williams score. The chase on the bikes is the stuff of cinema legend, as is "phone home" and the sight of the little creature all dragged-up. The acting from the human youngsters is great, with Drew Barrymore's ("Gertie") and Robert MacNaughton as their elder brother ("Michael") all contributing well to a charming story that even now, 40 years later, is still one of the best cinema has to offer. It works OK on telly, but for best effect seek it out on a big screen - it's still well worth that.

Watched with my wife, the 7th grader, and the kindergartner. I only kind of half watched... It's been a long week. I really wanted to check out my youngest's reactions.

Watching this with my 5 y.o. involved answering a lot of questions, but she LOVED it: wide eyed amazement, tears at the appropriate places, and shouts of "YEAH!!!" during the bike scenes.

Some of the animatronics are definitely dated, but it's weird seeing these older movies with kids so used to everything being CGI... Even my 7th grader said that some scenes seemed really realistic, which surprised me.