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★★★★
Directed by Roger Spottiswoode
Written by Tim John & Maria Nation
Starring Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt, Anthony Head, & Bob
Film Review by Amaliah S. Marmon-Halm
A Street Cat Named Bob is sure to be a film that will leave you smiling from ear to ear, and thinking “aww, the world isn't so bad after all”. Or if you’re a cat-lover, you will be left in a mushy mess and with their immediate urge to teach your cat to high-five. Based on a true story and a much beloved international bestseller, ‘Street Cat’ is a winner from start to finish.
Homeless and a recovering drug addict, James Bowen (Luke Treadaway) is running low on his luck. He’s given a last chance to turn his life around by his support worker, Val (Joanne Froggatt), who helps him to find a bedsit to live in. As James attempts to build a life and future for himself by busking in Covent Garden, he struggles to gain any traction as the London crowd passes him by. Returning home one day, he finds a ginger cat sitting outside his door. Thinking it belongs to a neighbour, he ignores the cat and goes to sleep. Over the next few days, the cat continues to linger outside his door, and James discovers an infected wound on the animal’s leg. He takes the cat to be treated by the RSPCA and from that point onwards, the two lives become entwined.
In a rather messed up world, with sadness, Brexit and horrible weather, this is just the kind of film the world needs right now. A film with a good story, a kind, sweet message and a decent layer of hope. Luke Treadaway portrays James in such an authentic way, that you automatically feel attached to his character. Bob is truly the star of the show, that it’s no wonder that the story is named after him.
It feels that what Roger Spottiswoode, Tim John & Maria Nation wanted to create with this film was a feature with the heart of an indie short. You're meant to feel for this character and want him to succeed. And with films like I, David Blake being released around now as well, these type of films seem to be fulfilling an audience craving right now.
If you're looking for a film that is hard hitting and action packed, then this isn't necessarily for you. This is the type of film you watch just to watch for pure simple enjoyment. It’s just simply a story about a guy down on his luck and in need of a break. Definitely something we can all relate to.
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