If I Had Wings

If I Had Wings is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale that revolves around a young boy named Alex Taylor (played by Richard Harmon), who's born with a disability that confines him to a wheelchair. Notwithstanding, Alex has a sharp mind and an unbridled love for flying, an interest he picked up from his grandfather, a World War II pilot. Alex's friendship with his neighbor and schoolmate Matt (played by Jaren Brandt Bartlett), a former football player, helps him to discover unexpected possibilities when Matt teaches him how to play wheelchair rugby.

Despite the odds, Alex dreams of soaring in the skies and one day convinces Matt to consider being his pilot. However, the challenges of this dream get compounded when a renowned aviation college in Brooksville holds a competition for young pilots with restricted mobility, and Alex sees this as his chance to fulfill his life-long dream. Together, Alex and Matt prepare for the competition, where they'll have to navigate challenging obstacle courses and demonstrate their skills at operating a virtual cockpit simulator.

Alex's father (played by Craig Bierko) is unsupportive of his son's dreams as he feels that they only expose him to more harm and limitations. Instead, he hopes for Alex to lead an ordinary life and attend college. Alex's only encouragement comes from his grandfather's wartime tales of adventure, which fill him with endless possibilities of reaching the infinite space above.

The story is filled with engaging moments of triumph when Alex and Matt push past their limitations, while also shedding light on the internal struggle of dealing with disabilities in society. The bond between Alex and Matt grows stronger as they both learn to appreciate life's ironies and test their own willpower in the face of opposition.

If I Had Wings offers a unique perspective on the lives of differently-abled individuals, and the obstacles they have to overcome daily, as well as the stigma and biases they encounter. The film celebrates the resilience and courage of individuals such as Alex, who despite their personal limitations, strive to achieve their full potential and live a fulfilling life.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the portrayal of the relationship between Alex and his father. While his father struggles to connect and support his son's ambitions, Alex views his Dad's concerns as over-protectionary rather than support, taking a huge risk in breaking out of his comfort zone and chasing his dreams.

Overall, If I Had Wings is a touching and inspiring film that celebrates love, friendship, perseverance, and the beauty of the human spirit. It is a film that may change the way you approach the lives of individuals living with disabilities and encourages you to not just see their disabilities but also their abilities.