Opened: June 11, 1982

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Pat Welsh, Anne Lockhart, K.C. Martel, Sean Frye & C. Thomas Howell

A tale about a boy and an outsider, E.T. teaches an important lesson about acceptance and understanding differences.

Left behind by his own kind, an extraterrestrial (Pat Welsh) – later renamed E.T. – is discovered by Elliott (Henry Thomas). Though E.T. is being hunted by the government, Elliott decides to help him get home with the help of his brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore).

Though he’s young, Thomas gives an incredible performance that will break your heart. As you’d expect, he’s fully enthralled by E.T. and takes time to learn about and communicate with him. It’s something that more people should take note of: figuring out people different from you.

The film takes a dark turn and portions can be frightening, but director Steven Spielberg knows how to balance it with light.

Final say: Opposites attract. ★★★★☆