Just four years my senior, Matthew Broderick’s timeline was intertwined with mine during my formative years. As he matured, I too navigated the complexities of adolescence, finding him perpetually crush-worthy, always a step ahead yet relatable. Unlike many of my peers, I wasn’t drawn to the typical heartthrobs; Matthew’s unique charm—his endearing nerdiness and occasional stammer—made him feel accessible and genuine.
Here’s how my life and Matthew’s journey unfolded in parallel:
War Games
I believe this was the first time I encountered Matthew Broderick’s talent, and I was smitten. In 1983, he was 21 and I was 17, but his character, David Lightman, was youthful enough for me to relate. A brilliant teenager, David inadvertently hacks into a military supercomputer, nearly triggering nuclear disaster. His romance with Ally Sheedy’s character was one I admired, showcasing intellect over superficiality. Choose chess, David! Oh wait … then we wouldn’t have had this cinematic adventure.
Ladyhawke
While many were captivated by the romance of Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, I found my heart belonging to Matthew as Philippe “The Mouse” Gaston. This thief turned hero played a pivotal role in helping two cursed lovers reunite, securing my affection for him even if he wasn’t the leading man in the traditional sense.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
This iconic film came next, although I didn’t see it upon its release. At 20, I had moved past high school films. It wasn’t until years later that I finally watched it—an almost surreal experience, as I had aged while he remained timeless. Even with a towel on his head, his charisma was undeniable, and I understood the adoration surrounding the film.
Torch Song Trilogy
Fast forward to 1988: I was 22, and Matthew was 26. He portrayed Harvey Fierstein’s boyfriend, and his performance captured my heart yet again. The film struck a chord with me as a dramatic writing student at New York University; I appreciated every emotional nuance of the story. Matthew’s performance was a delightful surprise as he stepped outside of his usual roles.
The Freshman
During my final year at college, I watched this film set at NYU, where I was studying. Matthew starred as Clark, a college freshman who unwittingly gets involved with a supposed mafia figure played by Marlon Brando. The clever nods to The Godfather added a layer of humor that resonated with me.
Skipping ahead through various roles, I eventually came to Election in 1999. At 33, I found it refreshing to see Matthew as a teacher, albeit a morally ambiguous one. Despite his character’s flaws, I found myself crushing on him all over again, even if he was no match for Reese Witherspoon’s character.
The Tale of Despereaux
By 2008, I was 42, and Matthew was 46. My crush had faded with time, and we were both happily married—he to Sarah Jessica Parker, and I to my husband, Dave. As a mother of two, I found joy in introducing my kids to The Tale of Despereaux. Hearing Matthew’s familiar voice brought back fond memories. He voiced a tiny mouse with the bravery of a knight, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with this character all over again.
Thank you, Matthew, for the years of entertainment. I’ll always cherish those moments and look forward to watching you grow old gracefully as we continue our journey through life.
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Summary
This article reflects on the author’s evolving admiration for Matthew Broderick, detailing the milestones of their lives intertwined through film and personal growth. From War Games to The Tale of Despereaux, the narrative chronicles the author’s experiences alongside a beloved star.