Growing Up with Matthew Broderick: A Nostalgic Journey

You know, it’s funny how some celebrities seem to grow up alongside you. Matthew Broderick was born just a few years before me, and during my formative years, he always felt like that slightly older crush who was just out of reach. I wasn’t one to fawn over the typical heartthrobs; Matthew had this charming nerdiness about him, with a stutter that made him feel more relatable compared to the other stars of his time.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see how our paths crossed over the years.

War Games

I think my first encounter with Matthew was in War Games. It was 1983, and I was a dorky 17-year-old smitten by his character, David Lightman, a brainy kid who unintentionally almost starts a nuclear war. Plus, he had a pretty cool love interest in Ally Sheedy, someone I could admire.

Ladyhawke

Next up was Ladyhawke. While others might have been captivated by the romance between Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, I had my eyes glued to Matthew as Philippe “The Mouse” Gaston. He played a thief-turned-hero helping a couple of cursed lovers, and I adored him for it—even if he wasn’t the romantic lead.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

I have to admit, I missed Ferris Bueller’s Day Off when it first came out. By then, I was 20 and not really into high school flicks anymore. However, catching up on it years later felt surreal—like a time warp. I loved how Matthew brought charm and charisma, even while sporting a towel on his head!

Torch Song Trilogy

In 1988, when I was 22, Matthew won me over again in Torch Song Trilogy, where he played Harvey Fierstein’s boyfriend. The film was a beautiful blend of humor and heartache, and as a dramatic writing student at NYU, I appreciated his ability to step out of his comfort zone and shine.

The Freshman

Another gem was The Freshman, which I watched during my final year at college. Set at NYU, it featured Matthew as Clark, a freshman who unwittingly gets mixed up with a mafia figure played by Marlon Brando. The inside jokes about The Godfather kept me laughing.

Election

Fast forward to 1999, I was 33 and loving Matthew’s shift to playing a teacher in Election. His character wasn’t exactly a sweetheart, but I couldn’t help but crush on him again, even as he went toe-to-toe with Reese Witherspoon.

The Tale of Despereaux

By 2008, at 42, I was a mom of two and had moved on from my crush phase. However, when I stumbled upon The Tale of Despereaux, I couldn’t resist that familiar voice. Matthew voiced a brave little mouse, and I found myself enchanted all over again.

Thanks, Matthew, for all the wonderful moments. Even as we both age, I’ll always cherish our journey together, however separate it may be. If you’re interested in more about parenting and family life, check out this enlightening post on home insemination kits. And for those considering IVF or other options, this article on the IVF process is a fantastic resource.

Summary

Growing up alongside Matthew Broderick shaped my cinematic experiences from teenage crushes to adulthood. From War Games to The Tale of Despereaux, his roles felt like chapters in my life, reminding me of the joy and nostalgia of youth.