E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 7+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.
Our review
At heart this is a story about loving someone you must let go. Elliott's compassion for a frightened creature, his mother's steady love, and the siblings' loyalty are the film's gifts. The reservations are real: a crude insult kids will repeat, a drunk scene played for laughs, and children lying to their mother. Watch it together and name those things out loud.
For parents
Best around seven and up; E.T.'s near-death scene and the chase frighten younger children. Ask: was it right for Elliott to lie to his mother to protect E.T.? What did it cost him to say goodbye? The language and beer scene are worth a word beforehand.