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From: ariels@orca.UUCP (Ariel Shattan)
Newsgroups: net.movies
Subject: Re: Overrated Films - (nf)
Message-ID: <200@orca.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 12-Oct-83 14:26:38 EDT
Article-I.D.: orca.200
Posted: Wed Oct 12 14:26:38 1983
Date-Received: Fri, 14-Oct-83 00:10:26 EDT
References: <3165@uiucdcs.UUCP>
Organization: Tektronix, Wilsonville OR
Lines: 26



E.T. was shallow, manipulative, anti-science, and anti-adult.  It purposely
tried to tug at the heartstrings, and instead of playing them like a harp,
it yanked them like bowstrings.  It had no emotional sophistication at all,
the characterization of the alien was very poor, and the very people who had 
the least little chance of keeping the alien alive were treated as the 
villains, as was anyone over 5 ft tall.  The children were all smart-ass 
and cutsie, like sit-com kids. 

I'd rather see a film like The Incredible Journey, which works by making 
you care about the protagonists, even if they are only two dogs and a cat,
or a play like Cyrano de Bergerac, which has the tragic appeal of a 
noble soul who doesn't understand his own beauty.  But E.T. ranks up there
with The Return of the Jedi for sacrificing story, characterization, and 
overall quality for box office.  I mean, it wasn't even Camp (which saved
Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars)!


*Whew*  It sure felt good to finally say that in public.  

Flame away, all ye who disagree.  I got thick skin anyway.

Ariel Shattan