Official Synopsis:
It’s 1914 and the British Empire’s greatest supporter, Rudyard Kipling (David Haig) is at the peak of his literary fame.  Kipling’s son, Jack (Daniel Radcliffe), is determined to play his part in the imminent war with Germany but finds himself rejected due to his poor eyesight.  Kipling uses his influence to land Jack a commission in the Irish Guards.  Kipling’s wide, Caroline (Kim Cattrall) is bitterly upset, failing to see the glory in losing her only son to war.  How will the great writer, torn between his two greatest passions – devotion to King and Country and love for his family – justify the consequences of his actions to himself and his wife?
  
Our Take:

As a huge fan of the Harry Potter films, I was wary of watching Daniel Radcliffe in a period war movie, but I was surprised by My Boy Jack.  Written by David Haig (who also stars), this movie tells the true story of the Kipling (as in Rudyard) family dealing with the realities of World War I. 

The story itself could have been written in this day and age, as its themes are universal.  My Boy Jack looks at patriotism, the sense of duty, and how power and fame aren’t always a guarantee of happiness.  It looks at the consequences of the choices people make in the quest for doing the right thing.

I found my heart breaking for this family as this tragic time in their life unfolds on the screen.  Radcliffe’s performance had me forgetting his Hogwart’s days within the first five minutes.  His performance as Jack struggling to find himself outside the shadow of his father almost mirrors his own attempt to emerge from the shadow of his Harry Potter legacy and he brings a noticeable honesty to the role.  David Haig’s years of studying Rudyard Kipling gave credibility to his performance as well as his screenplay.  I was curious about Kim Cattrall in this role after years of seeing her in Sex & the City, but she has a grace about her that lends itself to this stoic, heartbroken mother.

Although long, the bonus interview is worth a gander if the movie left you with questions like it did me.  I do think Daniel Radcliffe just likes to hear himself talk but there is some great historical information in the interviews.  Here’s what’s included on the disc:

- Interview with David Haig, Daniel Radcliffe and Kim Cattrall (24 minutes).

- Deleted scenes (6 minutes).

My Boy Jack is a terrific movie and DVD for anyone who enjoys war movies, biographies, or films that give them something to think about.  It has a solid cast and a well-told story that anyone can relate to. 

Overall Picture:
Movie: B+
DVD: B-

- Marcia Keefe
Staff Writer