A Street Cat Named Bob is one of the best feel-good movies of the last few years, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out there was going to be a sequel, but it is unfortunate that tragedy, and the COVID-19 pandemic, would strike before its release, directed by The Untouchables actor Charles Martin Smith (Air Bud). Basically, James Bowen (Luke Treadaway ) and his best friend and now constant companion, Bob the Cat (himself), are attending a publishers event following the release of James's latest book. After the event, he sees homeless young man Ben (Stefan Race) being tormented officer Leon (Tim Plester), who James recognises from his past. James buys Ben something to eat and starts to tell the story of a Christmas he spent with Bob whilst living in his flat with paid electricity. During the Christmas holiday, he and Bob were just about getting by in Covent Garden, from selling The Big Issue, and occasional busking. But Leon, working for the council, has a dislike for homeless people and is determined to get rid of James somehow. While fellow council worker Officer Jarvis (Aretha Ayeh) is sympathetic towards James, she also knows the laws concerning the health and safety of the animal, and there are issues concerning the well-being of the cat. One day, Bob is injured by a dog, and is taken to a nearby charity, supplying food and furniture, run by Bea (Kristina Tonteri-Young), who points him to vet Becky (Daisy Badger). As time goes by, James struggles to make the money he needs to keep his electricity running, and he is constantly approached by the officers who may be threatening to take Bob away. One day, after finishing work, James helps a stranger (Anna Wilson-Jones) after she is bumped into, she says she will come to buy a magazine or watch him play some time. Meanwhile, James and Bea spend many times together, they have a strong friendship, that may be developing into something closer. There is a point when there is an altercation between James and Leon, and when James goes to see Bea afterwards, she is angry because he does not notice that the charity was vandalised. Denise (Poppy Roe) is the head of the council department for animal welfare and oversees officers Leon and Jarvis. She knows of the altercation because of an online video; she wants evidence, going "by the book", that James cannot properly take care of Bob before she can authorise the cat to be taken. Officer Jarvis questions Bea about James and his caring for Bob, she stands by them and says that they need each other. James's other friends who offer him support and keep his spirits up include local shop owner Moody (EastEnders' Phaldut Sharma), London transport worker Anika (Nina Wadia), and cheerful passer-by Irene (Joanne Zorian). Whilst having a drink with fellow Big Issue sellers, James confronts Mick (Celwin Jones), who he suspects reported him to animal welfare. Mick assures him he had nothing to do with it; he tells James that looking after Bob gives him a purpose, he also mentions his daughter who he longs to see again. One day, when returning home, Bob eats off food from the bin, and a short time later he becomes very badly ill. Moody and Bea offer James help for Bob to get better, but James feels he is not fit to look after the cat and comes to the decision that he will allow Bob to be taken away. Moody realises James's situation, so he sets up an online campaign for people to show their support. On Christmas Eve, James is delighted when Bob recovers, but he has not changed his mind. They go for a walk together, and James is astonished by the amount of people who show up with presents and cards for him and Bob. Mick also visits him; he has reunited with his adult daughter Maisie (Louisa Corr) and his grandson Michael. Officer Jarvis approaches and mentions evaluating his case, she tells him that the council have received hundreds of letters, notes, cards, and emails, and that there is an online petition of 800 signatures in less than 24 hours. She tells James that will not be taking Bob away, that the charity Inspirational Animals want him and Bob to be paid ambassadors, and Bea shows up in time to confirm that James gets to keep Bob. Later that night, James is reunited with the stranger, celebrity chef Arabella Harewood (clearly inspired by Nigella) who repays him for his kindness and offers to help him any time. James spends Christmas Day with Bob, Bea, and Ben, they watch Arabella on television, broadcasting from Bea's charity, which includes Bob biscuits. Also starring Stephen McCole as Mark, and cameos by Jacqueline Wilson, and the real James Bowen as a market trader selling the book. Once again Treadaway is terrific as the sympathetic ex-drug addict trying to get by and stay with his beloved friend, and again there are some good supporting cast members, but Bob is the star, a wonderfully adorable cat; the film is dedicated to his memory, as he tragically passed away (hit by a car) after the film was completed. I will admit that parts of this follow-up feel almost like a re-tread of what we saw previously, with authorities keeping an eye on the main character, and it only just keeps up the feel-good factor, but the characters, the Christmas element and of course Bob keep you watching, an enjoyable seasonal biographical drama. Good!
Review of A Christmas Gift from Bob
