It’s very rare to come across a made-for-TV movie that is both competent and enjoyable, but the BBC-produced “My Boy Jack” (which premieres on PBS April 20th and arrives on DVD two days later) does just that. Based on the stage play written (and adapted) by David Haig, the film stars the veteran actor as popular English author Rudyard Kipling, a major supporter of Britain’s involvement in the first World War.
Though his son John (Daniel Radcliffe) would like to make his father proud by serving his country, the various British military divisions constantly reject him due to his poor eyesight. Kipling’s influence eventually lands John a spot in the Irish Guard, and within weeks, he’s promoted to lead his very own platoon into battle. When he suddenly goes missing after his unit is massacred at the Battle of Loos, however, John’s mother (Kim Cattrall) leads a search to discover exactly what happened to her only son.
Surprisingly tame for a war drama, “My Boy Jack” is more about Rudyard Kipling’s struggle to accept the unknown fate of his child than the war itself. Moreover, because it’s based on a play, the story depends entirely on the performances of its cast. Haig, who also played the role of Kipling during the stage production, delivers a tour de force worthy of an Emmy nomination, while Radcliffe (who continues to break “Harry Potter” typecasting with each polar role) delivers a fine performance as the title character. Kim Cattrall, on the other hand, sticks out like a sore thumb, and though she doesn’t do a particularly terrible job as Kipling’s American wife, one really has to question the person in charge of casting the “Sex & the City” star in such a role.
Nevertheless, “My Boy Jack” remains an adequate primetime option on a night when there’s normally nothing on. It’s short, intelligent, and features some great performances. Sure, it’s no “Saving Private Ryan,” but there’s just enough going for this war drama to justify recommending it to anyone who likes a little history with their entertainment.
