Close Encounters of the Spielberg Variety

      This year, Spielberg offers a close encounter with extraterrestrials in Disclosure Day, but this isn't his first experience with this theme…

      At 80 years old, Steven Spielberg shows no signs of slowing down. His newest blockbuster, Disclosure Day, is set to be released this June, and the trailer suggests plenty of his signature magic. Expect UFOs, aliens, and potentially world-ending threats as humans confront their alien encounters.

      This genre is familiar territory for Spielberg. With a long history as a top blockbuster director, he has explored nearly every conceivable theme, often turning his attention to space and the mysterious beings that inhabit it. So, as we await Disclosure Day, it's a fitting opportunity to revisit Spielberg’s films involving aliens…

      **Close Encounters of the Third Kind**

      Following the success of Star Wars, Spielberg's first science fiction film focusing on alien life was characterized more by wonder and curiosity rather than intergalactic conflict, as seen in George Lucas’ groundbreaking saga.

      Spielberg established the blockbuster formula with Jaws, which was solidified by Lucas's Star Wars. Close Encounters played a significant role in shifting Hollywood toward the types of films that mass audiences desired.

      Unlike today’s fast-paced storytelling (and Star Wars), Close Encounters takes its time, gradually unfolding mysterious UFO sightings in small-town America. It became a box office hit—while not reaching Star Wars' monumental success, it was still the third-highest-grossing film of the year. Spielberg expertly honed his craft in creating enchanting family-oriented blockbusters, further enhanced by John Williams' iconic score that year.

      **E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial**

      While Close Encounters largely centered on unidentified flying objects and offered only a brief glimpse of aliens at the end, E.T. shifts the focus to the bond between a young boy (Henry Thomas) and a lost extraterrestrial yearning to return home.

      Where his first venture into outer space was more about suspense and buildup, E.T. is more straightforward. It captures childhood wonder and spontaneity, alongside the humor of a quirky alien that the kids struggle to hide. The film also conveys a greater sense of adventure, especially with its memorable bicycle scenes throughout.

      Similar to Close Encounters, E.T. was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year and the biggest of all time until that moment. It's a delightful crowd-pleaser that is funny, charming, emotional, and exhilarating. Once again, Williams delivers an outstanding score, and both young Thomas and a very young Drew Barrymore shine in their roles.

      **War of the Worlds**

      At this stage, Spielberg took a different approach from most alien encounter films, presenting creatures interested in peace or exploration rather than conquest. War of the Worlds, based on H.G. Wells’ iconic novel, was not the first adaptation but certainly the largest in scale and budget.

      With Tom Cruise in the lead role, Spielberg approached this project at the peak of his abilities. While the film isn't often ranked among Spielberg’s best, it is still considered one of the finest adaptations amidst the numerous television and film versions available (including my own, War of the Worlds: The Attack).

      His assured direction brings thrilling visuals to the catastrophic threat posed by the aliens. Few filmmakers can deliver set pieces as effectively as Spielberg. However, a potential drawback from closely adhering to the source material is that the ending appears somewhat simplistic and abrupt.

      **Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull**

      After a lengthy hiatus, Harrison Ford reprised his role as Indiana Jones in this highly anticipated fourth installment. Ultimately, it became the least well-received entry in the franchise and one of Spielberg’s more divisive blockbusters. Did the world truly need another Indy adventure? It likely did, but the 1950s setting and references to Roswell conspiracies might not have been the best backdrop for a storyline.

      Instead of evading Nazis or pursuing sacred artifacts, Indy is now on the hunt for an alien crystal skull while also grappling with the revelation of having a son. From CGI gophers to nuclear fridges and swinging with monkeys, some elements felt like Spielberg was overly catering to a new or younger audience.

      Nevertheless, the initial part of the narrative—before shifting from evading Russians and seeking a lost professor to embracing the alien aspect—remains quite engaging. The opening sequence harks back to classic Jones, and Ford energetically immerses himself in the role. However, once they reach the jungle, the film takes a tumble before reaching a lackluster conclusion. Ultimately, it's still superior to Dial of Destiny.

      **A.I. Artificial Intelligence**

      You might wonder why A.I. isn't typically viewed as a Spielberg/alien film. Many movie fans (including myself for years) believed that the final act featured aliens. Upon its release, the responses were mixed, with some praising its philosophical depth and elegant execution, while others felt it fell short of its potential,