Der Griff nach den Sternen

Viva Michael Pena. One thing comes to mind, a true story is a true true you can't make it up, everything else becomes technicality.

Another thing to me it doesn't mater where you coming from because it's all about soul and tenacity and persistance and character, and I could go on and on, they are not enough movies like this one these days, it reminds us today, when we certainly do need it, what America is all about. Actors are wonderful, their acting is so transparent they have created a movie so real it seems we are living every second of their lives.

And of course I wasn't crying watching the movie, I got something in my eye.

The inspiring true life story of Jose Hernandez, a Mexican immigrant who set his eyes and heart on the sky from the time he was a child...

There is a lot to say about the movie but; When Jose asked his father "You say you're tired but you don't show your tiredness, how do you do that?". His father's advice to him, sums up the whole movie in the best way:

1. Set your goal 2. Know how far away you are 3. Draw a roadmap 4. If you don't know how, learn it 5. (And most importantly) the moment you say "I finally did it!", you may have to try even harder.

One of the best biopics of 2023 and the motivation you're looking for ;)

9.5/10 A million miles away is a really good movie. It is inspirational and heartfelt. The two main actors #michaelpena and #rosasalazar were outstanding in their roles. Their chemistry felt authentic. Rosa steals the scenes she is in as the supporting wife. The film portrays the struggles of Jose Hernandez and his migrant farmworker family and how they overcome them. It is fun and never boring. It is funny and emotional and makes you cheer for Micheal Pena's character. The film keeps you engaged from beginning to end. The music was great. Everything about this film was wonderful. If you have a chance, watch it!

Never mind the new account 10/10's, this film is very far from perfect, but a decent enough biopic film to see once. The main issue with this film is the underwhelming filmmaking with the long and dragged out first half and the very slow pacing. Although all casting and performances were decent, Pena's acting lacked urgency with blame falling on the director's inability to direct her cast effectively. The just over two hour runtime really dragged out, especially the first two acts. This film needed a good 15-20 minute trim, and the pacing picked up by at least 1.2x. The third act was by far the most engaging and entertaining. I'm sure in the hands of more experienced writers and director I would've enjoyed this more, and feel this film missed the opportunity to really showcase Jose Hernandez's incredible journey.

This is a really fine movie of a great story, of a boy named José who, as a Mexican migrant worker with his family, looked up and asked, "What are the stars for?" And then decided he wanted to become an Astronaut. As he found when he became an adult with an Engineering degree, the odds were stacked heavily against him.

I can relate, as a boy of 11, I remember standing outside with my dad, looking up in the Houston night sky and trying to spot Sputnik, the Russian satellite that became the first one in 1957. However, unlike José, I didn't have any grand dreams and I made my career here on the surface of Earth.

The adult José is played by Michael Peña, which was an excellent choice. Although born in Chicago his family were workers from Mexico, I'd bet that helped him relate to the character he played. Even though Peña was already in his 40s here, he had to play a teenager graduating from high school and with makeup it didn't seem too much out of place.

My wife and I enjoyed it at home, streaming on Prime. Excellent movie. It shows that you can never know from what background a stellar performer will originate, and the power of persistence.