A Million Miles Away

I liked this movie for the honest approach it took to the times but didnt let that overshadow or even crowd the real message, which is - follow your dreams - or maybe - dreams CAN come true.

Although my mother's parents were from Mexico, I knew nothing of the culture or hardships until about 10 years ago when I took a job in South Texas and an older man shared a few stories with me. It was eye-opening, almost unbelievable to hear how hard some people had it. But he didn't only share the hard times, they had happy times, as a family.

So thankful to the writers, directors & producers for keeping us focused on the dream and not making the movie all about pain.

Because I watch movies to be entertained, to take me away from everyday life and I love a happy ending. This is a light-hearted story of not getting sidetracked while following your instincts. Great acting, music was very nice, altogether a great movie.

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.

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!

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 ;)

Greetings again from the darkness. A tongue-in-cheek note just prior to the closing credits provide us with one final smile: "Jose is the first migrant farmworker to have traveled to space." This footnote encapsulates what this biopic is all about - dreams, commitment, sacrifice, and overcoming obstacles. Writer-director Alejandra Marquez Abella and co-writers Bettina Gilois and Hernan Jimenez adapted this from Jose Hernandez's memoir, "Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut", creating a wonderful (and yes, inspirational) viewing experience for the entire family. In fact, it's the perfect selection for family movie night (other than the youngest kids who won't understand the themes).

Superb character actor Michael Pena (the underrated END OF WATCH, 2012) takes the lead as Jose Hernandez, who grew up in a family of migrant farmworkers bouncing from town to town for harvesting work in the fields. Even as a child, Jose worked alongside his family whenever he wasn't in school. And it was one teacher in particular who went above and beyond to change the trajectory of Jose's life. Recognizing his potential, and his dream of going to space, the teacher spoke with respect to his parents in terms that made sense. Her actions, along with Jose's dad passing along his recipe for success ... the five ingredients serve as chapters in the film ... allowed Jose to passionately pursue his dreams.

Along the way, Jose met and married Adela (Rosa Salazar, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, 2019), and the two began a partnership and a family ... a large family. The theme of family is present throughout Jose's story, as support and sacrifice are necessary at every step. We see group hugs in good times and bad. We see doses of reality when needed, and we learn that "tenacity is a superpower" as Jose begins his years-long pursuit of being accepted into NASA - a goal he achieved after eleven letters of regret.

Everyone faces obstacles, and some are greater than others. What sets some folks apart is their motivation to continue the pursuit. Perhaps words of wisdom from a parent or spouse hits at just the right time, or maybe it's that one teacher who inspires a "can do" approach with a response to the "When I grow up ..." essay assignment. Whatever else is involved, we recognize the tenacity that Jose displayed, and this film will likely inspire others to follow their own dreams. Supporting roles are played well by Julio Cesar Cedillo and Veronica Falcon as Jose's parents, Garret Dillahunt and Sarayu Blue as astronauts, and Bobby Soto as a special cousin. Pena flashes the charm and likability to become the hero we admire, and director Abella eschews the cliches expected from such a story. The actual clips and photos at the end only add to this heartwarming movie perfectly suited to family movie night.

Premiers on Prime Video on September 15, 2023.