Ep. 74: Steven Spielberg's "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982)

Screams & Streams

What do you get when you mix childhood fears with a dash of Reese's Pieces and a splash of nostalgia? On "Screams & Streams," we're cracking open the 1982 classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and getting into why it terrified Sam, and why it's still a classic to this day. We kick things off by reminiscing about how E.T. had us hiding behind our popcorn, debating if Elliott was more of a troubled kid or just misunderstood. Our sinister sip segment introduces the Reese's Pieces Martini, a drink as iconic as E.T.'s glowing finger, adding a playful twist to our discussion about the film's haunting yet heartwarming impact.
Join us as we hilariously dissect the classic alien movie tropes that Spielberg so brilliantly played with. Whether it’s the panoramic shots of space and Earth or the overwhelmed single mom archetype, we’re here to chuckle over those cinematic quirks. Drew Barrymore's one-liners, delivered with the innocence only a child can muster, hold a special place in our hearts and we savor the irony and humor in the portrayal of adults who seem just as lost as the kids. As we journey back to those touching scenes that once tugged at our young hearts, we celebrate how E.T. manages to balance humor with a poignant narrative.
In our quirky critique, we shine a spotlight on E.T.'s more bizarre moments, like those random welding sparks and questionable Halloween get-ups. We poke fun at the logic behind watering dirt in drought-stricken California and those unsettling sounds E.T. makes, which are more hair-raising than heartwarming. Yet, even amid these odd moments, we can’t help but marvel at the film’s creative genius and its magical charm that has endured over the decades. From the unforgettable silhouette scenes to the captivating storytelling, this episode is a heartfelt homage to a film that, despite its quirks, remains a beloved piece of cinematic history.

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Chapters

1. Episode Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Film Intro & Plot Summary (00:00:50)

3. Sinister Sip (00:02:08)

4. First Impressions (00:02:52)

5. Tropes Hall of Shame (00:09:16)

6. One-Liners (00:12:42)

7. What Doesn't Hold Up? (00:17:22)

8. Most Gratuitous Scene (00:22:36)

9. Terrifying or Titillating (00:23:35)

10. Stood the Test of Time (00:25:32)

11. Eerie to Ear Splitting (00:29:52)

12. WTF? Moment (00:31:41)

13. Back It Up Moments (00:32:43)

14. Hiding in the Shadows (00:33:35)

15. Bonus Features (00:36:25)

16. Watchability Scale (00:43:54)