47 - E.T. The Extra Terrestrial - 3 stars
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. A prime example of how a good movie can be spoiled by unnecessary changes.
Sadly the 20th anniversary edition of E.T. is the only version that is currently available and because this is the version that I watched for this challenge, it will affect the ultimate rating that I give it.
This is the version that caused some controversy when Spielberg went back and digitally replaced the government agents' guns with walkie talkies as well as replacing some of the puppets with CGI.
It was the film that caused South Park to make the episode where Cartman et all go to Hollywood to try and stop filmmakers messing about with their films when they here that Spielberg and Lucas to do the same with Raiders... I would argue that they did it when they made Crystal Skulls!
The problem is that these changes are very noticeable and the CG is not the greatest quality either. It is a real shame considering the that puppet used back in 1982 still looks good today and much better and more realistic than the poor CGI.
Thankfully however the central story has remained untouched and is still sweet and filled with wonder due to the performances of the central trio of children, particularly Drew Barrymore who is adorable as Gertie. You can feel the pain of the loss of the father that is filled by their friendship with E.T.
The emotional resonance of the children's adventure with the alien creature is heightened by John Williams' score, with the recognisable main theme and the shadowy Keys even gets a hint of the Imperial March to his theme.
Days remaining - 16 Films remaining - 16
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