Iron Man 3 - SPOILER ALERT

I have seen Iron Man 1 and 2, but I started reviewing movies after I watched them. I will go back and review them another time, but for now, I can say that I really enjoyed both of them. In fact, Iron Man 1 is one of my favorite Marvel movies and it sparked my excitement for those that would follow. Therefore, I was very much looking forward to seeing Iron Man 3. Unfortunately, it was a huge disappointment and is, by far, my least favorite of all the Marvel movies I have seen up to this point.

I'll tell you what I believe is a major problem with this movie, but first I will point out some of the positives. While the last in this trilogy has a very different and darker vibe than the first two, I still loved RDJ as Tony Stark and Iron Man. One of the main themes is appealing to me, which is how Tony Stark survives as...well...as Tony Stark, not just as Iron Man.

Everyone, including J.A.R.V.I.S., could see that Tony Stark was self-destructing, except Tony Stark himself. It takes devastation for him to face the truth. I think this is a story line that is relatable to many. We've either been there ourselves or maybe we have seen it in others. I enjoyed the human side of Iron Man in this movie. It's one of the character traits I've always loved about him. He's vulnerable, which is refreshing to see in a superhero.

Another hero in this movie is the boy who reminds Mr. Stark that he is a "mechanic". It is then that he begins to rebuild - literally. I loved that it was a child who reminded Tony Stark of his true capabilities.

What I didn't like about this movie was the portrayal of people with disabilities and the attitude towards them. In Iron Man 3, they want to do anything they can to "fix" themselves or they have family members who would go to extreme measures to "fix" them. Take for example, the VP's daughter. While our disabilities are different, I couldn't help seeing a reflection of myself in that little girl. When the VP kisses her and it is revealed that she has a disability, are we supposed to sympathize with his motives? The whole idea of fixing these supposedly broken people, especially at the expense of hurting others, is disturbing to me. I watched the movie twice, thinking maybe I will see it from a different perspective the second time. I disliked the movie even more the second time around because of this underlying, yet glaring, theme.

Having a physical disability myself, this flaw in the movie is a big deal to me. I have no desire to fix myself because I do not believe I am broken, and I don't want to be represented as if I am. In fact, I believe my disability is a gift that I can use to make the world a better place. I appreciate when people help me, but I also enjoy having my independence. I do not want people to feel sorry for me because there is nothing to feel sorry for. Yes, I experience challenges, but who doesn't? We can feel compassion for anyone who experiences any kind of challenge. In that way, I am no different than anyone else.

Despite my strong dislike for Iron Man 3, I look forward to watching the rest of the MCU movies. I am hoping somewhere down the road, they redeem themselves and maybe even portray people with disabilities as superheroes. There is already a lack of movies starring people with disabilities. To have them in a movie, but portray them so negatively, only exacerbates this problem. Hollywood has a huge opportunity, and I believe a responsibility, to educate the world on how people with disabilities can be productive members of society. It's everyone's loss for them not to capitalize on this.