I remember watching this film as a kid but never truly grasping the themes of this classic: Friendship/Companionship/Loyalty, etc. But the simple magic presented on the screen of seeing this young kid who befriends a being from another planet was enough to keep me entertained from start to finish. And then when I turned 21, it was re-released in theaters just about everywhere in the US. I remember going to see it with a close friend, a fellow "dude" if you will, and being completely caught off guard at just how sad the ending was. It hits you right in the gut, that this child who has bonded to a being from another world, is about to lose a friend. Add to it, the absolutely majestic and emotional John Williams soundtrack, and you have the perfect recipe to make an entire theater weep like it's a funeral. It's simply one of those films that reminds you it's OK to think like a kid, and become nostalgic for the imagination your childhood was filled with.
I'm going to simplify the plot for all of you. An alien is left stranded on earth by his fellow alien pals, the government takes an interest in these E.T.'s, all the while a younger kid named Elliot allows his new alien pal to hang out and take shelter at his mom's house. Like any plot that needs to move forward, conflict arises, but in the form of the government wanting to capture E.T. The ending? Not going to spoil it for those of you who for some insane reason haven't seen this classic. Overall this story should remind all of us what it means to go to bat for a true friend, and the great lengths we sometimes have to go to ensure you take care of those who matter most in your life. Somehow director Steven Spielberg captures this theme the best I've ever seen captured in a film. What's ironic is that it's not dealing with a human to human friendship, it's with a human and non-human friendship story arc.
Watching it nearly ten years later on Blu-ray it's become apparent to me that nothing has changed. It's still a tear-jerker, and still tackles the themes of friendship and loyalty without losing the same punch it packed years ago. Even better, it looks brilliant on Blu-ray. If it can look epic while projected onto a white wall, about 90" size, I can't imagine how crystal clear it's going to look on your TV. Oh, and it doesn't hurt it sounds like it was recorded yesterday. Great cinematography, great soundtrack, well acted, well directed, and still holds up some 30 years after its initial release.
All around, if you haven't seen this film, go get it! But be warned in advance, don't be so sure it won't strike a cord emotionally, it's been known to make grown men cry like school girls!
Nuff said....
No comments:
Post a Comment