If you’ve heard the real life story of street cat Bob or seen the movie made about his life, you’ll want to see his follow up movie A Gift From Bob. Set around Christmas it’s a heart warming reminder of the importance of community.
Maybe like me you first met Bob through the 2016 movie A Street Cat Named Bob. Based on the book by former Big Issue seller James Bowen, the first movie told the story of how a stray ginger cat changed the life of James (Luke Treadaway), a homeless London street musician and recovering drug addict. It was a friendship that went on to transform both their lives.
A Gift From Bob is the follow up movie. The story starts with James grappling with being asked to write a second book, a common struggle amongst most authors.
A chance meeting sees James reflecting on the last Christmas he and Bob spent together scraping a living on the streets in London. With the need to raise 200 pounds of face a freezing Christmas with no lights, no heating and no food, the pair take to the streets armed with a guitar, copies of The Big Issue and charm. But they have their work cut out for them as the streets are highly competitive at this time of year.
As they spend a cold and challenging December on the streets, James draws strength and inspiration from Bob, his friendship helping him get through tough times.
A Gift From Bob is a delightful story about how a stray cat helped a man learn the true meaning of Christmas. It touches on friendship, purpose and the importance of community.
As I wiped away many, many tears I pondered:
- It was so good to see the real life Bob back again and equally so Treadaway who was in the original movie;
- This would be a wonderful movie for anyone moving through loss, although they might want to watch it at home;
- There’s a great line – “don’t let the future be weighed down by the past”, something to remember;
- Sure it’s a bit twee at times, but if you can’t be soppy at Christmas when can you be?
A heart warming tail, I mean tale.
For more information go to Luna Cinema
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