A Street Cat Named Bob review: The best-selling biography about a drug addict saved by a stray cat gets the biopic treatment. Luke Treadaway and the actual Bob star.
A Street Cat Named Bob review, Kat Hughes, The Hollywood News.
Based on the real life story of James Bowen and his cat, Bob, A Street Cat Named Bob tells the story of a drug addicted busker whose life is saved by a cat. In 2007 Bowen was living on the streets of London and addicted to heroin, but elected to change his circumstances by entering into the methadone programme. Whilst living in social housing he stumbled across an injured cat, Bob, whom James nursed back to health. Bob then returned the favour, supporting James on his road back from the brink. Directed by Turner and Hooch‘s Roger Spottiswoode, this story of friendship between man and feline is in very good hands.
The film is as incredible as the real-life journey that inspired it. Spottiswoode manages to balance the right amount of grit and saccharine. There are plenty of dark moments given James’ circumstances, but they never weigh the film down. For every moment of despair we get an instance of warmth, mainly focused on the powerful bond between Bob and James.
Not just a movie for cat lovers, A Street Cat Named Bob has an important message about the human condition. James’ determination to turn his life around should really be commended. Quitting heroin is no easy feat. Luke Treadaway is truly brilliant as James, giving a powerful and emotionally engaging turn. He should also be commended for giving such a performance when his supporting character is a cat. They say to never work with children or animals, but Treadaway manages this task effortlessly. His own bond with the cat, played by the real-life Bob, is charming to behold. Bob too deserves a mention, it’s not the norm to play yourself in your life story, but he pulls it off impressively. His inclusion adds an extra dimension of realness to the piece.
It’s also not all about one man and his cat, there’s also the budding romance between James and his neighbour Belle (Ruta Gedmintas), a kind and care-free woman hiding her own secret. Treadaway and Gedmintas have been dating for years and having them act against each other again helps build the reality of the film world. In addition to making new relationships, James must also mend past ones and who better to play his estranged father than the superb Anthony Head.
In addition to the strong story and acting, there’s also an amazing soundtrack which perfectly compliments onscreen events. A large portion of it is comprised of the songs that James sings whilst busking, which Treadaway performs himself. He’s got a great voice, and the songs are catchy enough that you’ll find yourself wanting to buy the soundtrack.
A Street Cat Named Bob is an incredible feel-good movie, that despite its dark subject matter, makes your heart swell. It’s a story of survival and the strength of friendship. Proof that dogs aren’t man’s only best friend, this is a tale that highlight’s the healing powers of feline friends. Life affirming and heart-warming, A Street Cat Named Bob will lift your spirit and heal your soul.
A Street Cat Named Bob review by Kat Hughes, November 2016.
A Street Cat Named Bob is released in UK cinemas on Friday 4th November, 2016.
