Movie Review: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

★★★★★

E.T. was the first movie that made me cry. It’s a beautiful story about friendship and childhood wonder. Will watch again!

Dora Z.

Arizona

If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, chances are E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial wasn’t just a movie you saw, it was an experience you felt. For me, it’s one of those rare films that shaped the way I looked at friendship, family, and the idea of connection beyond words. On the surface, it’s the story of a gentle alien stranded on Earth, but watching it again, you realize Spielberg packed in so many layers that go far beyond the famous flying bike scene and Reese’s Pieces product placement.

As a reviewer for Box Review, I wanted to focus on the little things that make E.T. one of the greatest family films ever made, the quiet moments, the subtleties in Spielberg’s directing, and the emotional details that most reviews skip over.

More Than a Sci-Fi Story – A Portrait of Childhood Loneliness

The premise is timeless: a young boy, Elliott (Henry Thomas), discovers a lost alien and forms a bond that defies logic and language. But underneath that plot is a very human story about isolation. Spielberg doesn’t shy away from showing Elliott’s fractured home life: his father is gone, his mother (Dee Wallace) is stretched thin, and his older brother is distracted.

That detail always struck me because it mirrors E.T.’s own situation. Both are left behind, both are trying to find their place in a world that feels incomplete. This parallel isn’t hammered into the audience; it’s quietly there, shaping the emotional weight of the entire movie.

Filming From a Child’s Perspective

One of Spielberg’s most underappreciated techniques in E.T. is how he literally frames the world. For the majority of the film, adult faces (other than Elliott’s mother) are kept out of frame, shot from the waist down, or partially obscured. This isn’t just a stylistic choice; it forces us to experience the story through the eyes of a child.

It’s why, when the adults finally do appear fully on screen, like Peter Coyote’s character “Keys,” it feels significant. We’re seeing the world open up in real time, just as Elliott does.

The Sound Design You Didn’t Notice (But Felt)

John Williams’ score is legendary; those swelling notes during the bike flight are forever etched in cinema history, but what gets overlooked is how much of the emotional texture comes from the sound design.

E.T.’s voice, crafted with a mix of mechanical hum and human intonation, strikes the perfect balance between alien and endearing. Even the quiet hum of the spaceship and the ambient rustles of the forest add an otherworldly, almost dreamlike quality. Spielberg and sound designer Ben Burtt knew exactly when to fill the air and when to let silence speak louder than music.

Practical Effects That Still Hold Up

In today’s CGI-heavy landscape, it’s easy to forget how magical E.T. felt in 1982. The alien wasn’t pixels; he was a tactile, physical presence on set, brought to life through animatronics, puppetry, and in certain moments, a costume worn by an actor.

The gradual reveal of E.T. is another masterstroke. We don’t get a full view of him right away; instead, it’s hands, shadows, and hints. That slow build-up makes the audience curious and more emotionally invested before they even know what he looks like.

It’s Really a Movie About Goodbyes

As a kid, I thought E.T. was about the adventure. As an adult, I realize it’s about letting go. That final scene where E.T. tells Elliott, “I’ll be right here,” is devastating because it’s not about a guaranteed reunion; it’s about the kind of love that stays with you, even when the person is gone.

It’s a surprisingly mature theme for a family film, and I think that’s part of why E.T. has lasted. Spielberg trusted his audience, even the youngest members, to understand that some stories end with separation, and that’s okay.

Why E.T. Still Resonates 40+ Years Later

Rewatching E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial now, it’s clear why it continues to be a cultural touchstone. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s the way the movie blends universal emotions with fantastical storytelling. Whether you’re a kid dreaming about life beyond the stars or an adult reflecting on friendships lost, there’s something here for you.

From the way Spielberg uses light and shadow to make suburban California feel magical, to the subtle parallels between E.T. and Elliott’s personal struggles, every detail works together to create a film that’s as much about humanity as it is about aliens.

Final Thoughts

As a reviewer for BoxReview.com, I can confidently say E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is more than a sci-fi family classic; it’s a film that understands the deep, unspoken bonds we form and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye. It’s one of the few movies that can make you believe in magic while also preparing you for the realities of life.

Even after all these years, E.T.’s glowing finger isn’t just about healing wounds; it’s about leaving a mark that never fades.