TRASHING THE MOVIES
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When Benson reviewed “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” in 1982, she proclaimed it “the film of the double-decade.”
And yet this landmark film does not even make the honorable mention list for “The Best of the ‘80s”! If the ‘80s have so far managed to produce 16 films superior to what was “the film of the double-decade” only four years ago, then surely Hollywood must be in a true renaissance!
Or could it be that Benson has given in to the merchandising backlash and anti-Steven Spielberg sentiments that have cropped up in the past few years? Perhaps her colleagues convinced her that “E.T.” was not one of the high-brow, intellectual films they wanted their list made up of.
Well, what was a classic four years ago is a classic today, and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” will be remembered as one of the greatest films of the ‘80s long after Benson, her colleagues and a good many of the films on their list have been forgotten.
ALAN SANBORN
Los Angeles
Only good movies
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