Matthew Broderick was born just four years before me, which means that as I navigated my formative years, he was aging alongside me, always just out of reach but forever crush-worthy. I was never one to swoon over the typical heartthrobs; instead, Matthew’s unique blend of nerdiness and charm drew me in. He felt more relatable than many of the glamorous stars of his era. Here’s a look back at how our paths crossed over the years:
War Games
I first laid eyes on Matthew in War Games, released in 1983 when he was 21 and I was merely 17. Though he played a younger character, I was a dorky teen who found him irresistible. His role as David Lightman, a brilliant teen who inadvertently almost initiates nuclear war, struck a chord with my affection for clever boys. Plus, his romance with Ally Sheedy was one I admired.
Ladyhawke
While many might have been captivated by the tale of Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, my heart belonged to Matthew as Philippe “The Mouse” Gaston. He portrayed a thief who becomes a hero, aiding two cursed lovers, and in my eyes, he was just as heroic.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Next up was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I must admit, I didn’t catch it when it was first released since I was 20 and had moved past high school comedies. Watching it years later felt like a glitch in time; I had matured while he remained the same charming teen. Even with a towel draped on his head, Matthew exuded charisma.
Torch Song Trilogy
Fast forward to 1988, when Matthew was 26 and I was 22. He stole my heart again as Harvey Fierstein’s boyfriend in Torch Song Trilogy. The film was a rollercoaster of emotions, and as a dramatic writing student at NYU, I appreciated every moment, especially Matthew’s brilliant performance that defied typecasting.
The Freshman
As I reached my final year of college, The Freshman came out, and its setting at NYU was serendipitous. Matthew played Clark, a freshman who unwittingly gets involved with a mafia-like character played by Marlon Brando. The film’s clever nods to The Godfather added a delightful layer.
Election
Fast forward to 1999; Matthew was now 37 and I was 33, and he finally transitioned into playing a teacher. His character wasn’t particularly likable, yet my crush reignited despite his inability to compete against Reese Witherspoon’s character—who could, really?
The Tale of Despereaux
In 2008, at 42, I found myself watching The Tale of Despereaux. By then, both of us were married—Matthew to Sarah Jessica Parker and me to my wonderful husband, Mark. As a mother of two, I delighted in hearing Matthew’s voice as the courageous little mouse. His character’s bravery and heart made me fall in love all over again, this time with a mouse.
Thank you, Matthew, for the joy you’ve brought into my life. I’m sure I’ll still be cheering you on when we’re both old and gray, ready to revisit that spark.
For those interested in starting their own family journey, you might want to explore more about home insemination kits at Make a Mom. If you’re looking for resources, WebMD offers excellent insights into various fertility treatments, which can be found here. Plus, don’t forget to check out a comprehensive selection of at-home insemination kits here.
Summary:
This article reflects on the evolution of Matthew Broderick’s career alongside the author’s own life journey. From high school heartthrob roles to charming animated characters, Broderick’s relatable performances have left a lasting impression. The piece also subtly transitions into home insemination resources for readers considering family planning.
Keyphrase: Matthew Broderick nostalgia
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]