Matthew Broderick will be going head to head at the box office with his wife Sarah Jessica Parker this weekend, when “Finding Amanda” opens. It’s a small film that probably won’t make much news…but he follows it up with “Diminished Capacity” the week after. Both films are Indies each with an offbeat sense of humor.

In “Finding Amanda” Broderick plays a gambling addict and ex-alcoholic who finds himself in Vegas looking for his niece. In “Diminished Capacity” he plays a newspaperman recovering from a head injury, which makes him forgetful and a bit confused. Both roles are perfect for the eternally boyish Mr. Broderick. Ever since “Election” he has perfected the dweeb everyman with hidden vicissitudes. His wide-eyed, innocent, chubby face often masks mischievous intent or deeper sadness. I’m not sure if he has great range as an actor…I’m not sure I could ever take him too seriously…but watching his last two films I realized that there is something very human and very appealing about him.