A Street Cat Named Bob

Based on the book of the same name, this is the true life story of James Bowen and the cat that helped turn his life around.

Bowen is a recovering heroin addict, living on the streets and earning just enough from busking to feed himself.  The opening scenes, showing a few of the harsh realities of that life, suggests Ken Loach territory.  But director Roger Spottiswoode has chosen to go down the feelgood route and there's little grit to the drama from that point on.

Helped by his drugs counsellor Val, he is given a flat and the chance to get himself clean.  Further good fortune comes in the shape of eccentric neighbour Betty, and, sneaking in an open window one night, a ginger tom.  It's the latter who proves to be the biggest influence on James' road to recovery.  With Bob at his feet, or draped across his shoulders, his busking, and later Big Issue selling, never fail to draw crowds of admirers.  And far more money than he's been used to.  He and Bob also become, without being aware of it, a YouTube sensation (go have a look).  This will eventually lead to the book deal that propels him to greater fame and fortune.

It's concentrating very much on the heart warming stuff.  The difficult relationship with his father is quickly glossed over, and the portrayal of his final withdrawal from methadone is a long way from Loach.

Luke Treadaway gives a strong performance as a somewhat sanitised Bowen, and Joanne Froggat is excellent as the stern but supportive Val.  There's only one real star though.  Much of the cat action was undertaken by Bob himself, and any cat owner will marvel at how you can get one of these highly independent creatures to accept direction!

Is this a movie designed to get you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside?  Very much so.  Is it over sentimentalised?  Check.  Is it shamelessly emotionally manipulative?  Yup.  Does that mean I hated it?  No.

But I'm a cat lover/owner.  If you're not then this is one that's best avoided.  If you are then you'll probably fall in love with Bob.  I must admit to crying during the film, from the memories it brought back of a ginger cat who once helped me through some difficult times.  You might not have such an immediate emotional connection, but if you can ignore all the fluffiness of the script this is great fun for cat fans.