2. AND the extra-terrestrial (1982)
Spielberg was at the absolute top of his game when he made HEY, and it’s an almost perfect Hollywood concoction. In fact, this is Spielberg at his most Spielbergian version, ticking every box: the dark underbelly of the suburbs, the wonder of childhood, aliens arriving on Earth, creepy types of government, absent parents, a gorgeous cinematography, heart-pounding action, compelling visuals and practices, a wonderful score, and clever editing, and plenty of heartfelt and heartbreaking schmaltz (as well as not-too-subtle product placements). Best of all is the cast. Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas and Robert MacNaughton are utterly believable as bickering siblings loving Gertie, Elliot and Michael Taylor, and Dee Wallace is perfect as a mother. Plus, Peter Coyote convincingly humanizes Keys, the villain who arrives just in time to help our heroes. More than 40 years later – 40 years! — we’re still ooh-ing, aah-ing, laughing, crying, and happily phoning home. [Ian Spelling]
