A Million Miles Away (2023)

A Million Miles Away is special because it takes a “dream big” true story and makes it feel earned—less a glossy myth than a lived-in journey powered by family, work, and stubborn hope. Alejandra Márquez Abella keeps the tone warm and grounded, letting the rhythms of school, fields, and home life build a quiet momentum that makes every step forward feel meaningful. Michael Peña brings an unshowy sincerity to José Hernández, and Rosa Salazar gives the film its emotional ballast, turning the sacrifices behind the ambition into something you can feel rather than just admire. If you’re looking for a cynical or twisty biopic, this isn’t that; it’s a heartfelt, charming crowd-pleaser that leaves you believing persistence can be a kind of rocket fuel.

A Million Miles Away is clearly aiming to be an uplifting, family-friendly immigrant-success story, and José Hernández’s real-life journey is inspiring enough that you want the movie to soar with it. The problem is it often plays like a checklist biopic—hardship, pep talk, setback, repeat—so even the big milestones can feel predictable and a bit emotionally prepackaged. Michael Peña and Rosa Salazar bring warmth and sincerity, and the film has a steady, wholesome tone, but it doesn’t dig very deep into the messier inner life behind the achievement, which can make the pacing feel flat. If you’re looking for a nuanced character study or a more daring historical drama, this may feel too safe; if you just want a clean, motivational watch with likable performances, it’ll do the job.