A Street Cat Named Bob – Film Review by Lisa Jewell

Director: Roger Spottiswoode

Stars: Luke Treadway, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt, Anthony Head and Bob the Cat

Based on the real life story of homeless busker James Bowen, this film traces his journey as he tries to keep clean from drugs and make a future for himself. His path has many temptations and challenges but when James meets an injured ginger cat and gives him a home, he finds a reason again for living and has a feline friend for life.

The relationship between James and the newly named Bob forms the main part of the story but James also interacts with good hearted animal lover Betty (Gedmintas), his caring but strict case worker Val (Froggatt) and his estranged father (Head). The story comes to the screen off the back of hugely successful books chronicling James and Bob. Amongst the series of books were some spin off books for children but this film contains gritty material, meaning it’s probably better for older children only.

The film starts on the streets of London where James is sleeping rough, diving in dumpsters and is in a methadone programme. His sole way of making money is busking with a patched up guitar and within the first 10 minutes of the film, you immediately get some of the feeling of what it’s like to be homeless in a large anonymous city. James’ back story is explained and his intention to stay drug free is challenged almost straight away.

He’s at rock bottom, which is made painfully clear when he is offered some accommodation from his case worker. The flat is a bit of a shithole in an estate dominated by drug dealers. But James’ reaction of ‘Wow’ when he’s shown around really sums up what a huge improvement this is making to his life. Soon after, he comes across a pushy ginger cat that is ownerless and despite initial doubts, James soon grows attached to Bob. The cat starts accompanying him while he busks in Covent Garden and the duo become quite the attraction as they walk through the streets – Bob either on his harness or standing on the shoulders of James.

The story itself is heart warming and in the hands of another director could have become overly schmaltzy. But the balance is just right in the film – between the harsh realities of life for James and the lovely moments he shares with Bob. The choice to show Bob’s point of view through camera angles is a really clever one. Luke Treadway, who is probably best known as an accomplished theatre actor in the UK, is a great fit for the leading role and the supporting cast also acquit themselves well. But the star of the show is really Bob who plays himself (though other cats also filled in!). He’s very cute and charismatic – I imagine the casting of the cat was pretty central to making the film work!

I was expecting a cheesy film but this was a lot more dramatic and thought provoking. I was impressed and yes, there may have been a tear or two in my eyes at the film’s conclusion.