I had to dust off the old VCR player, (yes VCR), before we could actually see the video of a movie that I hadn’t seen in many years. The audience, kids as young as four years and as old as eighteen years, had either never seen the original movie (not the digitally enhanced version which includes some animation), or they had been so young that they didn’t remember seeing it. However, once the ending credits began to roll, it was clear that E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial made in 1982, is still a family movie for all ages and has withstood the test of time.

It centers around a ten year old boy named Elliott (played by Henry Thomas) who befriends a little alien that had been accidentally left behind on earth. What follows is a moving story, with kids who want to help get him back home against the government guys who want to keep him. The movie is rated PG for brief language (Elliott gets off pretty good one liner) and there are scenes which could be considered intense for very young viewers. For instance, at one point ET is near death and the government men all seemed to have guns.

I remember going to the theatre to see this movie twenty five years ago and there are a couple of things in my movie experience that I will never forget. First, E.T was the first movie that I had actually gone to see twice in the theatres. The second thing I remember is the two little old ladies who sat behind me during my second viewing. They talked a lot and I couldn’t help but be amused by their serious analysis and comments. However, what stands out the most is that they both cried at the happy ending. I then looked around at others in the theatre and I was amazed at the looks on the many faces in the audience as they each absorbed the movie. I couldn’t help but watch faces again as the video played in my home and I realized there’s something magical that happens when your imagination is fully engaged.

E.T. is a good, fun and entertaining movie - just as I remembered it. I laughed, I cried (I’ve always wanted to use that) and I think it’s the type of movie that we should remember to dust off once in awhile and watch as a family. It’s not new. It’s not old. It’s a classic.

Have you already seen E.T? If you have a great memory test your ET –IQ by taking the trivia quiz. E.T. -Movie Trivia