I know we're all aware of the classic Steven Spielberg film, "E.T." But did you know that "E.T." was actually inspired by a different film? In fact, it copies it so closely, it might even be fair to say "E.T." stole its concept from this movie.

"Mac and Me" is also a family film about an alien coming to Earth and being hunted by the government. While on Earth, the alien, Mac, befriends a young boy. Also much like "E.T.," the movie "Mac and Me" was the first role of a now famous actor. However, while Drew Barrymore plays a small role in "E.T." that honestly some people might not even remember, Jennifer Anniston plays the memorable character of "McDonald's Dancer." Truly a breakout role for the young actor, even though she wasn't even credited in the film.

Now I know what you're thinking, "sure 'Mac and Me' might be the inspiration, but 'E.T.' has such iconic scenes that have stuck with me since childhood." Well to that I say, think of a scene from "E.T." that isn't the bicycle scene. Or the scene where he goes home. Or the Reese's pieces scene. Or the "ouch thing," or "phone home," or the government coming for E.T. Other than those scenes, name one scene from E.T., I bet you can't. In contrast, just about every frame of "Mac and Me" is permanently burned into my mind. From the explosive action scene in the beginning, to the part where the small boy tries to kill himself by riding his wheelchair off a cliff in his backyard.

Not only is "Mac and Me" more memorable than "E.T.," but it also is a more realistic depiction of an alien coming to Earth than "E.T." In "E.T." the children pretty quickly befriend the titular alien. This makes no sense to me, as realistically kids would be terrified of the alien. Much like Zack Snyder did with the amazing movie "Man of Steel," "Mac and Me" takes a more gritty, realistic look at how people would react to an alien. When the family first encounters Mac, the children are terrified. When Eric, the main boy, tells his parents he sees a little creature that can make things happen they reasonably assume he is insane. His neighbor Debbie also refers to Eric as a "schizo" when she hears about his alien encounter, as any logical child would do.

I don't have too many words left here so I'll conclude by saying after watching "Mac and Me" I am incredibly disappointed in Steven Spielberg for stealing so many of his ideas from this movie. If there is any take away from this article it should be that Steven Spielberg is a hack fraud, and watch "Mac and Me."