Rated: PG
Directed by: Charles Martin Smith
Written and Executive Produced by: Garry Jenkins
Produced by: Adam Rolston, Tracy Jarvis, Steve Jarvis, Andrew Boswell and Sunny Vohra
Starring: Luke Treadaway, Bob the Cat, Kristina Tonteri-Young, Phaldut Sharma.
Based on the autobiographical books about James Bowen and a stray cat (Bob) that befriended him on the streets of London, A Christmas Gift From Bob is the sequel to the international Indie film, A Street Cat Named Bob”
While James was homeless and addicted to heroin, the cat’s relentless affection and companionship eventually inspired James to make a go of life.
And the third book of the series, A Gift From Bob documents one of the last Christmases James and his ginger cat spent together before they became famous.
Based on this moment in time, the film opens on a glamorous premiere, launching the first book, following James (Luke Treadaway returning in his role) and Bob (starring as himself) curled around his shoulder, James wondering why he’s there.
He’s meant to write a second book – it’s expected soon and he has no idea where or how to start.
How do you continue a story of redemption once you’re off the streets? What comes next, except wondering how to keep paying the bills and have food in the fridge?
And what happens when Animal Welfare start investigating, asking questions about James’ ability to care for his friend and companion: the cat who saved his life?
It’s all a little bit inspirational because through hardship there’s growth.
And a hell of a lot of light cheese filled with those aw, moments. But it’s good cheese, well, absolutely pushing the Bob-the-cat: it’s from Bob, this song is about Bob, this is a card… from Bob…
Cue sweet soundtrack on repeat.
But it’s a Christmas card from Bob as he sits there on his blanket, next to James as he hands out those cards to the other characters in the story, the busker and his cat creating a community of people through their support of the pair.
It’s a movie about what Christmas means to people and how hard it can be for people who have lost their loved ones or have nothing or no one to celebrate, so the film pulls those heart strings, giving those clichéd moments meaning like, what goes around comes around. And stronger together.
Because like Bea (Kristina Tonteri-Young ) constant friend and supporter of James says: Christmas isn’t a season, it’s feeling.
Bob has now passed. So it’s kinda sweet to see him there on the screen for everyone to share.
Here’s what James had to say: ”Bob saved my life. It’s as simple as that. He gave me so much more than companionship. With him at my side, I found a direction and purpose that I’d been missing. The success we achieved together through our books and films was miraculous. He’s met thousands of people, touched millions of lives. There’s never been a cat like him. And never will again. I feel like the light has gone out in my life. I will never forget him.”