Episode 74: Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Rotten Tomato Score: 99%
What do you get when you mix childhood fears with a dash of Reese's Pieces and a splash of nostalgia? On "Screams & Streams," we're cracking open the 1982 classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and getting into why it terrified Sam, and why it's still a classic to this day. We kick things off by reminiscing about how E.T. had us hiding behind our popcorn, debating if Elliott was more of a troubled kid or just misunderstood. Our sinister sip segment introduces the Reese's Pieces Martini, a drink as iconic as E.T.'s glowing finger, adding a playful twist to our discussion about the film's haunting yet heartwarming impact.
Join us as we hilariously dissect the classic alien movie tropes that Spielberg so brilliantly played with. Whether it’s the panoramic shots of space and Earth or the overwhelmed single mom archetype, we’re here to chuckle over those cinematic quirks. Drew Barrymore's one-liners, delivered with the innocence only a child can muster, hold a special place in our hearts and we savor the irony and humor in the portrayal of adults who seem just as lost as the kids. As we journey back to those touching scenes that once tugged at our young hearts, we celebrate how E.T. manages to balance humor with a poignant narrative.
In our quirky critique, we shine a spotlight on E.T.'s more bizarre moments, like those random welding sparks and questionable Halloween get-ups. We poke fun at the logic behind watering dirt in drought-stricken California and those unsettling sounds E.T. makes, which are more hair-raising than heartwarming. Yet, even amid these odd moments, we can’t help but marvel at the film’s creative genius and its magical charm that has endured over the decades. From the unforgettable silhouette scenes to the captivating storytelling, this episode is a heartfelt homage to a film that, despite its quirks, remains a beloved piece of cinematic history.
Sinister Sips
Reese’s Pieces Martini
From: Recipe Wonderland
Recipe:
2 oz Peanut Butter Whiskey
1 oz Chocolate Liqueur
1 oz Irish Cream
1 oz Milk
Garnish: Crushed Reese’s Pieces and Chocolate Syrup
Dip rim of glass into chocolate syrup and then into crushed Reese’s pieces
In a cocktail shaker combine other ingredients
Shake over ice
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with Reese’s Pieces
Plot Summary:
A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
Sam is still traumatized by ET, so she gave the film an 8. Mike and Chad loved the film and both gave it a 10. We placed the film at 9.5 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Movie Trivia (TV Tropes)