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AIBU?

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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:
Potsto · 29/07/2023 12:35

SamuelsSheep · 29/07/2023 12:33

She has now asked to see the stage show, which I'm now honestly encouraging and will definitely try and sort out for a special occasion.

I'm not ignoring what people are saying. I will most likely try and sit and watch one of the rewatches with her and talk about it.

When you put it into perspective with things like drinking and vaping, I am counting my lucky stars. I just felt like it was more about the fact it's for a young audience vs her rewatching stuff she likes.

The stage show is fabulous. The film is great, but the stage show blows it out of the water.

Enjoy it when you go!

Gettingbysomehow · 29/07/2023 12:35

I don't think there should be an age limit for this sort of thing. How many adults including myself build dollshouses and call it an "adult collectors hobby."
It isn't it's an excuse for still playing with toys as an adult 😂

neverbeenskiing · 29/07/2023 12:35

I think you're getting a bit of a hard time here, OP. Posters have assumed you're judging your DD but I interpreted it more as a concern that she may not be maturing in line with her peers. I think most of us have worried, at some stage or another, about our DC's development so you're not alone there. I work with kids your DD's age and there is a massive variation in their level of maturity and interests. Some of them look and act like young adults and would probably consider Matilda too young for them, but many of them are still very much children who enjoy things aimed at a younger audience. Personally, since I know 14 year olds who are taking cocaine and ketamine and having sex, I wouldn't be in any hurry for your DD to grow up. I know some adult women who still love Disney movies, not my thing but it makes them happy and isn't hurting anyone. Unless you have any other concerns about your DD's social and emotional development I wouldn't dwell on it too much.

AssertiveGertrude · 29/07/2023 12:35

I think it’s the summer holidays and it’s comforting to her - very sweet actually

14 is young

MayMiracle · 29/07/2023 12:36

My teen daughter asks to borrow her younger brother's iPad sometimes. It's so she can play his younger Toca type games without fear of ridicule - if the games were seen on her iPad.

It's a really tough time being a teen, having to switch between being the adult self (who they're becoming) and the child self (who they have been). So I think they sometimes find comfort in stuff that's innocent and non threatening, that they can seek out safely at home

WeetabixTowels · 29/07/2023 12:40

I’m nearly 40 and have been watching the 1995 series of Pride and Prejudice on a loop now while I work/clean/iron etc 😆

ActDottie · 29/07/2023 12:41

I’m 30 and watched it the other day and thought it was amazing! Definitely gunna watch again soon. Am I too old?

TheYearOfSmallThings · 29/07/2023 12:53

When I was her age I was listening to Les Miserables on a loop - it could just as easily have been Matilda if it existed then. The way they are written is quite dense and you won't pick it all up on first or second listen, and when you add in the dancing and the way it's filmed there is a lot to appreciate. I still remember every word, and not just the best known songs.

All together now - 🎶And so it must be! For so it was written! On the doorway to paradise! That those who falter and those who fall, must pay the price! 🎶. No? Just me? Grin

EarthlyNightshade · 29/07/2023 13:02

TheYearOfSmallThings · 29/07/2023 12:53

When I was her age I was listening to Les Miserables on a loop - it could just as easily have been Matilda if it existed then. The way they are written is quite dense and you won't pick it all up on first or second listen, and when you add in the dancing and the way it's filmed there is a lot to appreciate. I still remember every word, and not just the best known songs.

All together now - 🎶And so it must be! For so it was written! On the doorway to paradise! That those who falter and those who fall, must pay the price! 🎶. No? Just me? Grin

Stars, in your multitudes.....scarce to be counted.....

Jl2014 · 29/07/2023 13:04

It’s a good film. I enjoyed it. It’s sad to see examples of how children are pushed to grow up too quickly. Let her be. Nothing wrong with it at all.

BodegaSushi · 29/07/2023 13:04

Is this real? You sound like the mum from mean girls, a cool mom not a regular mom, does your daughter not match the image you had for what she should be interested in at this age? 🙄

AccountantMum · 29/07/2023 13:08

I saw the Matilda musical film at the Cinema it was great and there was a range of ages there not just small kids - I don't see an issue with any age loving the movie I wouldn't think this is unusual at 14

1037370E · 29/07/2023 13:09

She's your daughter, so no I don't think YABU to ask the question. Do you have concerns about her growing up/maturity in general or other worries perhaps? There might be something about the film that resonates with her, or that she really enjoys and that's why she's re-watching it. 3 times doesn't feel excessive to me, but as I said before, if you have other concerns that would explain your worry.

Tangled123 · 29/07/2023 13:10

I didn’t particularly like the new Matilda movie but I think I was around 14 when became obsessed with Harry Potter. I still like it but not as much as I did.

I would expect someone to outgrow the Matilda movie relatively quickly as it will be replaced by something else, but I wouldn’t judge her if it didn’t.

Leapintothelightning · 29/07/2023 13:11

I watched high school musical on repeat at age 14 🤷🏻‍♀️ I see no issue

TheYearOfSmallThings · 29/07/2023 13:11

EarthlyNightshade · 29/07/2023 13:02

Stars, in your multitudes.....scarce to be counted.....

Show quote history

🎶Filling the darkness, with ORDER and LIIIIGHT🎶

skyeisthelimit · 29/07/2023 13:13

DD is 15 and loves Matilda The Musical, we saw it at the cinema and she watches it on Sky/Netflix.

We are going to see a local production of it in August.

I can see where you are coming from, but to be honest with my DD, I am glad that she is watching Matilda rather than drinking/smoking/chasing boys/posing on Insta half dressed which is what half of her year group appear to be doing.

Plus I think it is a "Musicals" thing too. I have taken DD to see loads of them including, Annie, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Shrek, Joseph, Beauty & The Beast, School of Rock, Heathers.

I don't think age comes into it really if you love musicals.

Titfortat78 · 29/07/2023 13:14

Exactly this

LucyLocketsBlackCat · 29/07/2023 13:14

YABU

WishiwasinChiantishire · 29/07/2023 13:15

Unless Matilda is the latest slang drug name, you have nothing to worry about.

It is a great film!

BringItOnxxx · 29/07/2023 13:18

I think I watched Grease and Dirty Dancing on repeat at that age.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 29/07/2023 13:19

I have only read your posts, @SamuelsSheep, so apologies if anyone else has already said this - but I believe that good children's literature and films will also have deeper levels to them that older children and adults will appreciate. So your daughter might be enjoying the songs and dances, but also appreciating the deeper meanings behind the story.

I really enjoy children's books - there are some that I read and reread often (the Chalet School series in particular), and others that I read occasionally but still enjoy. I've actually just finished rereading a Noel Streatfield book - Theatre Shoes - and last night I read one of her books that I'd never read before - Caldicott Place - and I enjoyed both of them. I have recently gone through my bookshelves and boxed up many of my children's books - most of which I've had since childhood - to put them aside for my grandchildren - well, my granddaughter first, on long loan, but to be passed on to any subsequent grandchildren, if that makes sense. But now I am kicking myself, because I want to reread my other Noel Streatfields - Amazon Kindle shop, here I come!

salamithumbs · 29/07/2023 13:22

I think Matilda is great and I'm 29 🤣
Personally, I've always reverted to watching more childish things when I'm going through a stressful time... I love darker things like Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders etc normally but if I'm having a hard time I will sometimes put on a musical or a disney film because I don't have the wherewithal for anything else! Could it be that?
Even if she's not going through anything (other than normal teenage pains), I don't think there's any harm in going through a Matilda phase. I was massively obsessed with Billy Elliot the musical at that age (listened to the cd obsessively, had the poster) and I'm fine now. Though if it ever comes back to the west end I will be over to see it like a shot!

Wintersgirl · 29/07/2023 13:34

You mean there are people who don'twatch Muppet Christmas Carol every year without fail? <shakes head in disbelief>

I know! It shoud be compulsory!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 29/07/2023 13:38

Wintersgirl · 29/07/2023 13:34

You mean there are people who don'twatch Muppet Christmas Carol every year without fail? <shakes head in disbelief>

I know! It shoud be compulsory!

I'm afraid I don't watch it, @Wintersgirl - my Christmas movie of choice is Die Hard. I'll hand myself in at the nearest police station as soon as I've had my lunch and a little nap.