Back in September, a new movie called A Million Miles Away came to theaters. The movie is based on the life of Jose M. Hernandez, a former astronaut and a Mexican-American engineer. A Million Miles Away tells the story of Hernandez’s life, and how he went from being in a rather unfortunate situation, to achieving his childhood dream of being in the NASA program. 

Junior Cole Johansen watched the movie earlier this month and really enjoyed it. He thinks the story was very heartfelt and inspiring. 

“I think this movie is great and it truly is an inspiration. I like how his past experiences are still intertwined with his new life. It shows that even though it was not the best of times, it still helped him to become who he is today.”

A Million Miles Away is available on Prime Video, and has received a 4.8 out of 5 in ratings so far with 88% rotten tomatoes. Roger Ebert says, “It’s a tale of literally astronomical success in the face of daunting adversity, and it’s important as a reflection of hard-won representation.”

In the movie, Michael Pena plays Hernandez. The movie shows the real-life journey that Hernandez went through since his youth. The movie takes viewers through the tough times and the best memories in Hernandez’s life. 

Junior Isabella Zane explains, “I loved this movie a lot. I loved that it was based on a true story, and that this guy never gave up on what he was passionate about. I also really loved how his wife motivated him because she knew he had it in him, even if she was scared of him getting injured.” 

Back in 2016, Jose Hernandez talked to The Californian, he explained how exactly his support system worked, regardless of his living conditions. 

“My parents [didn’t] have economic resources. We come from a humble farm worker family, but they gave me something more valuable … they gave me the belief that I could accomplish my goal of being an astronaut.”

The Californian continues, “Even though his dream to become an astronaut sounded difficult, even unachievable, his parents never discouraged him or motivated him to pursue other goals.” 

Jose Hernandez now co-runs an aerospace consulting firm, runs the Reaching for the Stars Foundation (stem program), and works on his vineyard with his father. He is also a motivational speaker. He is also married with five children, as seen in the film. 

Johansen continues, “He never gave up on his dreams, even after he had kids and got married, he pushed through the hard times and no matter what happened in his life.”

More information about Hernandez can be found on his Instagram @astrojosehernandez or on online news sources like SpectrumNews1.