$9?!? Bargain!
And what an opportunity to show this indisputable classic of children's cinema. Unfortunately I had to work that day so I didn't get to see my kids' reaction until after they had seen the movie.
Upon my return home I was greeted with "Phone home!" So clearly, they were impressed with the film. Since then it has had several viewings over the weekend, without my boys getting tired and wanting to see something else.
This is one of those rare films that achieved both critical acclaim and box office receipts (highest grossing movie until Jurassic Park). Unfortunately for Spielberg, when the time came for Academy Awards he was a) competing against Ghandi (all things the Academy loves: political, exceptional acting, epic and depressing) and b) he made the mistake of making a brilliant kids movie. George Miller said it best when asked about his chances of winning Best Picture for Babe in 1995: "Kids movies never win Best Picture!"
This is the perfect film for a five year old. It teaches them about acceptance of the unknown, overcoming fears and being able to stand up to authority when you know you're right. It adds the right touches of fantasy to encourage the sense of wonder that can connect parents and children while watching a movie. And while they will grow up and see films like Alien, Predator and The Thing, I'm happy that their introduction to alien life is E.T.
