Born just four years before me, Matthew Broderick has been a familiar presence throughout my formative years. As we both navigated adolescence, he always seemed to be the perfect crush—just ahead of me in age and charm. Unlike many of my peers, I wasn’t drawn to the typical heartthrobs of the era. Matthew’s unique appeal stemmed from his relatable nerdiness, occasional stammer, and an authenticity that set him apart from the usual Hollywood glamour.
Here’s a glimpse into how our lives have intertwined over the years:
War Games
I believe this was the first film where I truly noticed Matthew Broderick, and I was instantly smitten. Back in 1983, he was 21, and I was 17, although he portrayed a younger character, making him feel more approachable. His role as David Lightman was captivating; a brilliant teen who inadvertently stumbled into a government supercomputer and nearly sparked a nuclear disaster. The added bonus? His love interest was played by Ally Sheedy, a character I admired.
Ladyhawke
While many viewers might have been enchanted by the romance between Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, my focus was solely on Matthew as Philippe “The Mouse” Gaston. He embodied the role of a clever thief turned hero, assisting two star-crossed lovers in their quest to reunite. Although he wasn’t the main romantic lead, in my eyes, he certainly was.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Chronologically, this film followed, but I must admit I didn’t catch it upon its release. At 20, I had outgrown high school movies. Years later, when I finally watched it, it felt surreal—like I had stepped through a time warp where I had aged, but Matthew had not! Regardless, his charisma shone through, even while donning a towel on his head.
Torch Song Trilogy
In 1988, at age 26, Matthew captured my heart once more as he portrayed Harvey Fierstein’s boyfriend. I was 22 and had developed a deeper appreciation for storytelling as a dramatic writing student at NYU. The film’s emotional rollercoaster made me laugh and cry, and I admired how Matthew stepped outside his usual typecast to deliver a powerful performance.
The Freshman
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. By my final college year, Matthew starred in this film set at NYU, where I was studying! His character, Clark, believed he was working for a mafia figure played by the legendary Marlon Brando. The film included a clever nod to Brando’s iconic Vito Corleone, creating an in-joke that resonated with me.
There were many other films afterward, but one of the next significant ones was…
Election
In 1999, at 37, Matthew finally played a teacher, which felt fitting as I was now 33. While his character was not particularly kind, the charm was undeniably present. I found myself falling for him once more, even as he faced off against the formidable Reese Witherspoon.
Skipping ahead past the less favorable Stepford Wives remake and the musical The Producers, we arrive at the realm of animation.
The Tale of Despereaux
By 2008, I was 42 and Matthew was 46. At this point, my crush had matured into a fond appreciation. Both of us were now married—Matthew to the lovely Sarah and I to my partner Dave. As a mother of two, I found myself watching The Tale of Despereaux, where I recognized that familiar voice. His portrayal of a tiny mouse with enormous courage captivated me all over again. Who would have thought I’d fall in love with a mouse?
Thank you, Matthew, for all the joy you’ve brought into my life. I look forward to continuing this journey of admiration, even as we both grow older.
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In summary, my journey with Matthew Broderick has been a delightful experience that reflects my growth and changing perspectives over the years. From a crush on a charming teenager to an appreciation for his diverse roles, our paths have run parallel, reminding me of the enduring magic of childhood crushes and shared memories.
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