A Street Cat Named Bob
Year: 2016
Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode
Starring: Joanne Froggat, Ruta Gedmintas, Anthony Head & Luke Treadaway
Runtime: 103 mins
BBFC: 12
Published: 07/01/21
Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode
Starring: Joanne Froggat, Ruta Gedmintas, Anthony Head & Luke Treadaway
Runtime: 103 mins
BBFC: 12
Published: 07/01/21
I think even the most kind-hearted of us has at some time in our lives passed by a homeless person without even acknowledging them. It’s not something I’m proud of, and my justifications for doing so could often be argued as judgmental and prejudiced. It’s something I’ve gotten even worse at since moving to London. Where homelessness was certainly getting worse in the area where I used to live in Kent, since I moved to the big city I can barely go five feet without bumping into another person who for one reason or another is living on the streets. It’s a problem that our nation’s leaders seem to refuse to do anything about, and local businesses and councils do whatever they can to make life a living hell for rough sleepers.
That’s why when I sat down on my comfy sofa, under a blanket, with the Christmas tree lit up in the corner of the room to watch A Street Cat Named Bob, I couldn’t help but feel extremely guilty for those times where I simply walked on by without acknowledging that person asking for help.
Based on the true story of James Bowen (Luke Treadaway), a young man who in an attempt to reconnect with his father becomes a homeless busker in London. James spends his days playing songs to build up enough cash to buy food whilst trying to wean himself off heroin. His support worker, Val (Joanne Froggatt), manages to get James into a council flat under the condition that he stays off the heroin, maintains regular contact with her, and stays out of any kind of trouble. Shortly after moving in, James is greeted by an intruder to his flat, a ginger cat. After trying to find the cat’s owner, but to no avail, James decides to keep the cat who a neighbour of his names Bob. James takes Bob busking with him and begins to draw larger crowds which bring in more money, but as expected for a recovering addict, life isn’t quite so plain sailing when trying to get back on the straight and narrow.
That’s why when I sat down on my comfy sofa, under a blanket, with the Christmas tree lit up in the corner of the room to watch A Street Cat Named Bob, I couldn’t help but feel extremely guilty for those times where I simply walked on by without acknowledging that person asking for help.
Based on the true story of James Bowen (Luke Treadaway), a young man who in an attempt to reconnect with his father becomes a homeless busker in London. James spends his days playing songs to build up enough cash to buy food whilst trying to wean himself off heroin. His support worker, Val (Joanne Froggatt), manages to get James into a council flat under the condition that he stays off the heroin, maintains regular contact with her, and stays out of any kind of trouble. Shortly after moving in, James is greeted by an intruder to his flat, a ginger cat. After trying to find the cat’s owner, but to no avail, James decides to keep the cat who a neighbour of his names Bob. James takes Bob busking with him and begins to draw larger crowds which bring in more money, but as expected for a recovering addict, life isn’t quite so plain sailing when trying to get back on the straight and narrow.
What I really liked about the film is that it didn’t fall into the trap of being a ‘feel good film’ which you often find is the case regarding stories of people who are down on their luck. Every victory James has feels earned and he is grateful for it, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t mess up or get kicked whilst he’s down by other people. What I mean by that is it feels like an accurate portrayal of someone trying to get out of a shitty situation but having to overcome countless other hurdles in the process. Luke Treadaway also delivers a strong performance as James.
It’s somewhat odd because I remember the fanfare of the book of the same name releasing when I was still at school and I can’t say I paid an awful lot of attention to it at the time, but now seeing how James and Bob became viral sensations online it does bring back memories of seeing the real James’ success story.
One thing I feel the film doesn’t really spend enough time on is James’ relationship with his neighbour Betty (Ruta Gedmintas). As the two grow closer they seemingly become romantically attached but the film only really shows the two of them spending fleeting amounts of time with each other, usually because of a situation regarding Bob. So when the drama of her finding out he’s a recovering addict begins it doesn’t have quite the emotional punch I feel it’s meant to because, at least to the audience, they haven’t spent a lot of time together.
A Street Cat Named Bob is a film that will get under your skin a little if you’re a resident of an area that has a homeless problem. It’s also an enjoyable film that’s competently made and with good performances. However, it’s not a film I’m likely to revisit as it doesn’t tell a story that I feel warrants multiple viewings. If there’s one thing we can take away from the film though is that we can all do a little more to help those in need.
It’s somewhat odd because I remember the fanfare of the book of the same name releasing when I was still at school and I can’t say I paid an awful lot of attention to it at the time, but now seeing how James and Bob became viral sensations online it does bring back memories of seeing the real James’ success story.
One thing I feel the film doesn’t really spend enough time on is James’ relationship with his neighbour Betty (Ruta Gedmintas). As the two grow closer they seemingly become romantically attached but the film only really shows the two of them spending fleeting amounts of time with each other, usually because of a situation regarding Bob. So when the drama of her finding out he’s a recovering addict begins it doesn’t have quite the emotional punch I feel it’s meant to because, at least to the audience, they haven’t spent a lot of time together.
A Street Cat Named Bob is a film that will get under your skin a little if you’re a resident of an area that has a homeless problem. It’s also an enjoyable film that’s competently made and with good performances. However, it’s not a film I’m likely to revisit as it doesn’t tell a story that I feel warrants multiple viewings. If there’s one thing we can take away from the film though is that we can all do a little more to help those in need.