Just in time for Halloween, let’s extend Spielberg Summer 2 deep into October by digging into the other movie in 1982 that cemented his legacy, even though it was technically directed by Tobe Hooper. POLTERGEIST has an unfortunate legacy of being a “cursed film”, an infuriating moniker that masks what made this movie haunt all these years later. It’s here!

This week, Spielberg Summer goes into overtime with a dip into TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE! Yes, it’s an anthology film most famous for the behind-the-scenes tragedy that arguably ended the New Hollywood era. Is anything in the movie (including the section directed by Spielberg himself) strong enough to overcome this dark shadow?

Spielberg Summer 2 wraps up with one of the more obscure entries in Steven’s filmography, the old-fashioned throwback ALWAYS. There’s a lot of love and sweetness to this movie, borne out of a mutual passion between star and director of a particular 40’s war film, but…ALWAYS just isn’t that great, mostly as a result of casting. Ah well, at least we get Audrey one more time.

This week, Spielberg’s signature franchise comes to its original close (even if the series would go on to drink from the cup of eternal life). INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE spends a little too much effort apologizing for TEMPLE OF DOOM, but makes up for it with an inspired crucial piece of casting and by…well, by being really fun and funny for two straight hours. Let’s ride off into the sunset together!

A bit of a forgotten entry in Steven Spielberg’s 80’s filmography, EMPIRE OF THE SUN is still a worthy viewing due to its gorgeous visuals, insightful script, and a great central child performance, from an actor I don’t usually even like that much! So, why doesn’t it have the same clout as some of Spielberg’s other films? It may be a matter of timing.

This week, Steven Spielberg begins to expand his directorial palette with 1985’s THE COLOR PURPLE, a sweeping literary adaptation featuring many great performances, and an ever-growing master behind the camera. However, it’s ever fascinating for the moments where you catch Spielberg being unsure with how best to depict serious stories of human misery. Yes, it begs the question: was he the right person for the job? But one also has to ask: without this, does Spielberg become the director we know him to be today?

This week, Spielberg Summer 2: The E(igh)T(ies) continues with one of the darker-toned films Spielberg ever made: it’s INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM! A film that has only grown in reputation over the years (and was largely responsible for the creation of a new MPAA rating!), it’s got action and theatrics to spare…even if only there weren’t that one person screaming the whole time.

Today, our look through the Spielberg works of the 80s continues with E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, a movie that I watched often as a kid, but always held at a little bit of a distance. Maybe it’s because it was unafraid to be a little scary and a lot sad, elements I greatly admire about it now as an adult. Let’s shine a light on this film that delves into the darkness that can enter a household.