E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, USA) C-120m. ***½ D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, K.C. Martel, Sean Frye, C. Thomas Howell, Erika Eleniak. Spielberg's most endearing film is perfect kids fare and irresistible entertainment. Not-so-happy 10-year-old Thomas makes the acquaintance of impish extra-terrestrial, whose kind have abandoned him on Earth. A friendship develops, and the question arises how long he can keep it a secret from his family and ultimately the government. Script can't bear closer scrutiny, but movie creates a sense of wonder and builds perfectly to dramatic, tear-jerking finale. Richly orchestrated score by John Williams won an Oscar, so did the visual effects and the sound. Expanded from 115m. for 2002 re-release.