Storyline: This young alien (makes his way to the storage shed of young Elliot (Henry Thomas) and his family, who are all suffering as a result of a divorce. Elliot's dad had run off with a girlfriend to Mexico, leaving 3 heart-broken children, Elliott, Michael (Robert Mac Naughton), Gertie (Drew Barrymore) and their distraught mom, Mary (Dee Wallace Stone) behind.

Elliot discovers E.T., a name he gives to the alien, and coaxes him into the house with candy, and hides him in his closet. Faking illness, Elliot stays home from school and discovers some unusual characteristics of E. T., such things as he can levitate objects, bring dead flowers back to life, and can heal cuts. E.T. becomes linked to Elliot when he touches him with a glowing finger, which causes some problems for Elliot, as their systems are connected. When E.T. drinks a six pack of beer, Elliot becomes drunk and unruly at school, and frees all the frogs who were going to be dissected in science class, which is a favorite scene in the film.

Elliot's siblings also become acquainted with E.T. Gertie looks after him one afternoon, dresses him up in her clothes, and teaches him the alphabet, etc. As much as E.T. loves the children, he wants to go home. All then enter an adventure in trying to help E.T. go home.

A favorite scene, is when the kids take E.T. trick or treating, dressed as a ghost, in order to sneak E.T. out of the house without Mom seeing him, to get him to where he can contact his ship. On the way, he sees a mask of Yoda go by, and tries to communicate with it.

The Mom is totally clueless, as she feels overwhelmed trying to work, get over her ex, and raise 3 kids. She misses seeing E.T. because she is not paying attention. She is in for quite a shock when she finds Elliott and E.T. lying together, in bad shape on the bathroom floor. Elliott tells her in a raspy voice: "I think we're dying." Great!

The scientists, led by Keys (Peter Coyote), know by E.T.'s tracks that he is somewhere in neighborhood, and had been cruising around in a van, ease-dropping on conversations, trying to find him. When E.T. and Elliot become weak and sick, the scientific community descends upon the house in contamination suits, giving the Mom a double shock! This is another favorite scene.

After giving the audience a worrisome moment or two, what happens next is truly magical, complete with flying bicycles, and a spaceship that looks like a beautiful. shimmering Christmas tree ball.

E.T. is a beautiful story about love, friendship and fantasy, a masterpiece screenplay by Melissa Mathison. Many say that there is Biblical symbolism throughout the storyline. Some see E. T. as a sly Christ-figure, and the story deals with how people treat each other. The conclusion of this story brings people together, because of E.T.

This film was well cast, and superbly directed by Steven Spielburg, who knows how to bring out the best in children and adults alike. Henry Thomas did an excellent job as Elliot, a boy who finds a healing friendship with E.T., that helps to fill the huge hole left by the abandonment of his dad.

Young Drew Barrymore captured the audience's heart in her portrayal of Elliot's innocent little sister, Gertie, a performance that made her a star. At 7, she was the host of "Saturday Night Live."

Robert Mac Naughton does a good job as Elliot's older sometimes pain-in-the-neck annoying brother, trying to learn to drive, who does join the team of friends to help E.T., finding out that he really does love his family.

Dee Wallace Stone is wonderful as the distracted, upset Mom, who is overwhelmed for awhile with what her circumstances have given her.

Peter Coyote is convincing as the scientist, "Keys," who gives comfort and support to the family, in more ways than one, and possibly may become a dad- type replacement.

By the end of the film, Mary and Keys come together to provide fine support for what Elliott must do - say good-bye to E.T., a truly touching scene.

The memorable music is by the talented John Williams, who won the Oscar for best musical score. His music added so much to this film, to help bring the magic and soul of the movie to life.

This PG movie is highly recommended for family viewing.