Special Coverage The Photo IssueThe Must List2008 Fall TV2008 Fall Movies2008 Fall Music

NOTHING SUCCEEDS like repetition. Just ask Melissa Mathison, who charmed us with her script for E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Now, after making $36 million and topping video sales and rental charts, The Indian in the Cupboard proved she could do it again. After all, nothing succeeds like repetition.

-- Jason Cochran THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD Nine-year-old Omri is awakened by the first appearance of Little Bear, who speaks another language.

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL Ten-year-old Elliott is awakened by the first appearance of E.T., who speaks another language.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Omri brings Little Bear granola.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]Elliott brings E.T. Reese's Pieces.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Little Bear is threatened by the family's marauding pet rat.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]E.T. is threatened by the family's marauding pet dog.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Little Bear tricks a grown-up by acting like a toy.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]E.T. tricks a grown-up by acting like a toy.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Little Bear cannot go back home until Omri finds the key.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]E.T. cannot go back home because he is found by Keys.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Mom reads Stuart Little, by E.B. White, in bed with her child.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]Mom reads Peter Pan, by James M. Barrie, in bed with her child.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Omri has a Darth Vader action figure.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]Elliott has a Boba Fett action figure.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Omri goes to school, writes a report on Little Bear, studies Iroquois.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]Elliott goes to school, draws pictures of E.T., studies amphibians.

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]Mantra: ''I will be with you when the sun rises.''

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]Mantra: ''I'll be right here.''

[THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD]After a farewell in the woods, Little Bear goes back to the cupboard.

[E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL]After a farewell in the woods, E.T. goes back to outer space.


Posted Feb 23, 1996 | Published in issue #315-316 Feb 23, 1996 | Order Article Reprints