Cable company defiles E.T.

US cable-TV/internet provider Comcast is one of that country's most despised corporations. And apparently, the company likes that just fine. In fact, Comcast apparently believes that it's not quite hated enough, and has decided to take action to fix that.

There's no other way to explain the Christmas-themed ad above, in which one of cinema's most-beloved creatures, E.T., is dragged back to Earth and put to work shilling for Comcast's overpriced services and abominable customer service.

The video also stars the actor who, as a child, played E.T.'s buddy Elliott, Henry Thomas. So yup, it's a reunion story. But of course there's still time for all-growed-up Elliott to explain to his starfaring pal how much technology has advanced since his last visit. They even watch a streaming video together. Wow.

The ad tries and fails to hit the same beats of the 1983 Steven Spielberg film. But despite having four minutes to conjure up some magic, it's not touching, and it's not funny. What's more, creature effects have apparently regressed, because the alien here is a platicised monstrosity not nearly as convincing as the film version from 36 years ago.

The original film concluded with the departing E.T. telling Elliott "I'll be right here" while pointing at the boy's head. Ad Nut implores you to leave E.T.'s memory undisturbed and pristine in your own brain—by refusing to watch this 'sequel'.

Ad Nut had to watch it out of professional duty and now regrets it mightily. "Ouch."

Ad Nut is a surprisingly literate woodland creature that for unknown reasons has an unhealthy obsession with advertising. Ad Nut gathers ads from all over Asia and the world for your viewing pleasure, because Ad Nut loves you. You can also check out Ad Nut's Advertising Hall of Fame, or read about Ad Nut's strange obsession with 'murderous beasts'.