One small piece of the film I would excise
During the emotional apex of the film, when Elliott and E.T. say their goodbyes/hug, the camera cuts to Elliott's weeping mom for what seems like a good five seconds. It just feels so unnecessary and manipulative, as if to say "Here is the part where it's okay to cry, everyone" when really we can all figure that out for ourselves.
It kind of feels like the emotional equivalent of watching a porno where right at the climax, they cut to the guy's face.
Anyone here mentions Hotel California dies before the first line clears his lips.