E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid finds a wrinkly potato, they become best buds, the potato gets sick and the government tries to steal it, but the kid flies the potato home on a bike.

🍿 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Alien Encounter

During a nighttime visit to Earth, a group of alien botanists is disturbed by human activity and forced to flee, leaving one of their own behind. This stranded alien, later known as E.T., finds himself lost and alone in the unfamiliar surroundings of a suburban neighborhood. He seeks refuge in the backyard of a young boy named Elliott, who is initially scared but soon intrigued by the mysterious creature.

A Budding Friendship

Elliott, a lonely boy from a recently divorced family, develops a strong emotional bond with E.T. He introduces the alien to his siblings, Michael and Gertie, and they all decide to keep E.T.’s existence a secret. The children help E.T. learn about Earth culture, and E.T. demonstrates his unique abilities, including telekinesis and healing. As they spend more time together, the connection between Elliott and E.T. deepens, leading to both humorous and heartwarming moments.

The Chase and Illness

As E.T. attempts to contact his home planet, government agents, led by a mysterious figure known only as ‘Keys,’ begin to close in on Elliott’s house. Simultaneously, E.T. becomes increasingly ill, and his declining health is mirrored by Elliott, due to their psychic connection. The children face a race against time, trying to help E.T. ‘phone home’ while evading the authorities who want to capture and study him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elliott (Henry Thomas): A lonely and imaginative young boy who forms a deep connection with a stranded alien.
• E.T. (N/A): The gentle alien botanist who is accidentally left behind on Earth and befriends Elliott.
• Gertie (Drew Barrymore): Elliott’s younger sister, who quickly accepts E.T. and helps to care for him.
• Michael (Robert MacNaughton): Elliott’s older brother, who initially doubts E.T.’s existence but ultimately helps to protect him.
• Mary (Dee Wallace): The single mother of Elliott, Michael, and Gertie, who struggles to understand the unusual events unfolding in her home.
• Keys (Peter Coyote): A government agent who is sensitive to E.T.’s situation and ultimately helps Elliott reunite E.T. with his people.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• E.T.: “E.T. phone home.” – E.T.’s simple but iconic request to communicate with his home planet, becoming a widely recognized phrase.
• Gertie: “Be good.” – Gertie’s innocent instruction to E.T., highlighting the film’s theme of childlike wonder and responsibility.
• Keys: “I’ve been on this since I was ten years old.” – The government agent, Keys, reveals his lifelong fascination and quiet empathy with extraterrestrial life.
• E.T.: “Ouch.” – E.T. shares his pain and empathy with Elliot through their connection.
• E.T.: “I’ll be right here.” – E.T.’s farewell promise to Elliot, emphasizing the enduring bond between them, just before departing.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $439,454,989
• Worldwide Gross: $797,307,407

💥 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘E.T.’ as a kid, and it completely blew my mind! The connection between Elliott and E.T. felt so real, I wanted to believe in aliens too. The scene where the bikes fly in front of the moon still gives me chills. I have no doubt that this movie has made me the Spielberg fan that I am today.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming movie night.”
  • “Fans of science fiction and adventure films.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Spielberg’s classic storytelling.”
  • “Anyone seeking a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of medical procedures may be unsettling for some viewers.”
  • “Some suspenseful moments might be frightening for very young children.”
  • “Deals with themes of abandonment and separation.”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A heartwarming story of friendship that transcends language and species. Spielberg masterfully captures the wonder of childhood and the magic of believing in the impossible, with the legendary John Williams bringing the musical score to life.
• Janet Maslin: “E.T. is a classic that continues to touch viewers, and features a strong message about accepting differences and the importance of family. The cinematography and set pieces are wonderfully and visually stunning.

Audience Reactions

The flying bicycle scene is the most iconic and magical moment in movie history.: Viewers of all ages are moved by the film’s themes of friendship, compassion, and the power of believing.

Overall Consensus: A timeless classic that resonates with audiences of all ages, celebrating the power of friendship and the wonder of the unknown.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Score)- 1983
2. Academy Award (Best Visual Effects)- 1983
3. Academy Award (Best Sound)- 1983
4. Academy Award (Best Sound Effects Editing)- 1983
5. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “During filming, the set was kept closed to all but essential personnel to protect the child actors and encourage more realistic performances.”
• “To create E.T.’s distinctive voice, sound designer Ben Burtt combined sounds from 17 different people and animals, including his wife who had a cold, and sea otters.”
• “The scene where E.T. touches Elliot’s forehead was inspired by Michelangelo’s ‘The Creation of Adam’ on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, symbolizing a connection and transfer of life force.”

🖥️ How to Watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV, where it’s often available to rent or buy. Check your local listings for television airings, as it occasionally appears on channels like AMC or Syfy. For physical copies, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target offer Blu-ray and DVD versions, perfect for adding to your movie collection. Keep an eye out for special editions that include behind-the-scenes content and interviews.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, you might like these similar films:

• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): Another Spielberg film centered on human encounters with benevolent extraterrestrials, emphasizing awe and wonder.
• The Iron Giant (1999): A young boy befriends a giant robot from outer space, exploring themes of friendship, fear, and understanding the unknown.
• Starman (1984): An alien takes on the form of a deceased man and experiences humanity through the eyes of his widow, focusing on connection and learning.
• Arrival (2016): A linguist works to communicate with aliens who have landed on Earth, highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy in cross-cultural encounters.
• Mac and Me (1988): A family moves to California and meets a marooned alien who loves Coca-Cola and McDonald’s.

🛒 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Related Products

• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital): A must-have for any E.T. fan! This limited-edition gift set includes a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, Digital code, commemorative booklet, and exclusive collectibles. The perfect way to experience this timeless classic in stunning detail.
• Funko Pop! Movies: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – E.T.: Add this adorable E.T. Funko Pop! to your collection and keep the magic of the movie alive! A great desk companion that serves as a great reminder of our childhood!
• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Storybook: Relive the wonder of E.T. with this beautifully illustrated digital storybook. Perfect for sharing with young children, introducing them to this classic tale of friendship and adventure.
• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: The Book of the Green Planet: The story continues in this epic novel!

🎧 Soundtrack

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Flying Theme” – performed by John Williams
• “E.T.’s Home” – performed by John Williams
• “Escape / Chase” – performed by John Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With E.T. the Extra Terrestrial

Ever wondered what’s really wrong with E.T.? CinemaSins hilariously breaks down the iconic movie, exposing its plot holes and absurd moments. Get ready for a fun and critical look at this beloved classic.

Dee Wallace Surprises Drew Barrymore and Shares What it Was Like to Work with Her as a Child

Join Drew Barrymore as she reunites with Dee Wallace, her on-screen mom from E.T. Get ready for a touching and memorable conversation as they share their experiences from filming the iconic movie.

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN OUR HOUSE!

Get ready for some laughter! This hilarious spoof of E.T. imagines what would happen if the beloved alien visited a modern household. It’s a fun and lighthearted take on the classic film that will leave you smiling.

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