I wonder how much of the film was produced and directed as a child story made up by a very young Spielberg. His signature is all over the movie, but it failed to fill the touted expectations. It may have been a good money maker for younger generations to come. Unfortunately, no one, even Spielberg, counted on the explosion of the sci fi movies and especially video games that would make many teenagers laugh at E.T. Nevertheless, it was a good movie for the time being.

ET was a sweet story about friendship between a lonely boy and and extra terrestrial. this was nice to watch since it was more of a family film and very little violence. good kid actors and found myself rooting for ET to go home.

An endearing little film but not particularly ground breaking or provocative.  Full of Spielberg's signature visuals, like the 3 to 4 foot high camera perspective, the long shot views of L.A. at night and the squeeky clean homogenized suburbia.  Those touches of familiarity make the story immediately relatable for millions of viewers.