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Original poster

to think 14 is too old to be obsessed with Matilda?

176 replies

SamuelsSheep · 29/07/2023 10:34

Just want to say, I've never said this to her but just asking if 14 seems a bit old to be obsessed with the new Matilda movie? Was watched twice yesterday and it's already back on again this morning?

It is good and I liked it, so I'm not saying it can't be enjoyed by an older audience, but to be obsessed?

OP posts:
Housefullofcatsandkids · 29/07/2023 10:56

My 21 year old is obsessed with Bluey 😂 in fact both my 21 year old and 15 year old want to go to the stage show more than my 6 year olds!
It's not weird to watch musicals/films over and over when you first see them. When we discovered Hamilton it was on repeat in the house at least 3 times a day!

beckym232 · 29/07/2023 10:56

I don't think Matilda is a particularly childish film. The songs and storyline are probably more appreciated by kids 10+ I would say. So yabu to make a thing of this. Loads of teens (and adults!) still go mad for Disney. Let her like what she likes.

Original poster
SamuelsSheep · 29/07/2023 10:56

@watcherintherye I think the cast is considerably younger, but she definitely loves the singing and dancing!

She's shy, so as much as she loves the idea of musical theatre, she isn't keen on actually doing it.

OP posts:
RitzyMcFitzy · 29/07/2023 10:56

I've just remembered being obsessed with The Lost Boys at this age. Watched it a loooooot.

forgotmyusername1 · 29/07/2023 10:56

I hear it most mornings coming from my 7 year old sons tablet

shineonyoucrazydiamondd · 29/07/2023 10:56

nothing to worry about at all, she enjoys it. If she had an obsession with something concerning like knives or something then that’s when to worry.
I used to watch lots of films and rewatch my faves all the time haha

RoseMarigoldViolet · 29/07/2023 10:57

I wouldn’t be concerned about this. Matilda is harmless. 14 is a tricky age. Go with the flow. There are so many challenges with teenagers. If a bit of Matilda watching is your main concern then your daughter is probably doing ok!

OhNoOhNo · 29/07/2023 11:00

I still love Harry Potter movies and I’m twice her age, it’s a comfort thing.

You do seem a bit judgemental.

RegainingTheWill2023 · 29/07/2023 11:01

MullerInk · 29/07/2023 10:55

Some people just like watching the same thing. I always had obsessions since I was a teenager and have only recently at 32 grown out of it. I can almost categorise time periods in my life by what was my obsession at the time.

My 18 year old dd watches familiar things as she finds them reassuring, and soothing.

RegainingTheWill2023 · 29/07/2023 11:03

Housefullofcatsandkids · 29/07/2023 10:56

My 21 year old is obsessed with Bluey 😂 in fact both my 21 year old and 15 year old want to go to the stage show more than my 6 year olds!
It's not weird to watch musicals/films over and over when you first see them. When we discovered Hamilton it was on repeat in the house at least 3 times a day!

Yep - 18 year old loves Bluey! 😄

SheWontSheCantShesLeft · 29/07/2023 11:03

My dsis watched Annie daily at about this age.

FrenchandSaunders · 29/07/2023 11:05

One of my DDs still slept with her baby Anabelle at 14, it’s a funny age.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 29/07/2023 11:06

I'd take that over some other obsessions that could happen at that age!

JFDIYOLO · 29/07/2023 11:08

I was obsessed with Star Trek at 14 (and still very fond of it at 60). 14 is a tough age, so much chaos and toxic influence being thrown at girls especially that they find comfort and reassurance where they can.

What is the movie like? What does she love best about it? The themes, music, characters, relationships, costumes, dialogue ... ?

I'd be discussing those with her in an interested, positive and supportive tone of voice and finding out what's appealing to her now, right at this moment, when her brain is going through massive shifts in frightening times.

And try to see and enjoy what she's seeing and enjoying right now.

And then find similar things she might like that you can also enjoy together.

There's so much worse out there that she could have got fixated on.

theemmadilemma · 29/07/2023 11:09

She's finding a level of comfort from it. That's fine and normal.

askmeonemoretime · 29/07/2023 11:10

She is unusually old to be obsessed with Matilda.
But if everything else is age appropriate I would just ignore this and put it down to a quirk.

watcherintherye · 29/07/2023 11:11

SamuelsSheep · 29/07/2023 10:56

@watcherintherye I think the cast is considerably younger, but she definitely loves the singing and dancing!

She's shy, so as much as she loves the idea of musical theatre, she isn't keen on actually doing it.

Sounds a bit like me! Maybe she could get involved with a local am dram/musical theatre group behind the scenes/in a large chorus etc. I didn’t mind performing in a big group, but have always shied away from all eyes being on me.

starlight36 · 29/07/2023 11:13

It maybe partly because it is the holidays and she can just enjoy stuff without her peers thinking it is a bit 'young' or not 'cool'

PuttingDownRoots · 29/07/2023 11:14

The cast are all older preteens/teenagers and the dancing is amazing. The talent is phenomenal. I can see why teenagers love it. My 16yo DN loves it.

GolgafrinchamB · 29/07/2023 11:14

Watching a musical again and again is akin to listening to the album. It’s very common.

Tim Minchin’s lyrics are a treat. I don’t think your daughter is being unusual at all.

FloweryName · 29/07/2023 11:15

My niece had an obsession with Hamilton at the same age. All her friends were the same. She didn’t shut up about it. It was very draining. She is now a very successful and well adjusted young woman.

crazeekat · 29/07/2023 11:17

Nagado · 29/07/2023 10:40

If Matilda is what she’s obsessed with, I think you should be thanking your lucky stars that it’s something so innocent and harmless. There are many, many more dangerous things for a 14 year old girl to be interested in.

exactly this 💯

Nervouswreck25 · 29/07/2023 11:19

We have had an entire week of grown adults dressing up as barbie 😂 think her liking Matilda is nice !

lavenderlou · 29/07/2023 11:20

Completely normal. What interests do you think she should have? I've watched it three times and I'm 45.

askmeonemoretime · 29/07/2023 11:22

Hamilton is an adult musical, very different to a musical for children.
I don't know why so many of you are being snarky at the OP who is concerned about her teenager being obsessed with a musical aimed at much younger children.