Starring
Luke Treadaway, Bob the Cat, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt, Anthony
Head, Beth Goodard, Caroline Goodall. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode.
(2016, 103 min).
I
have two cats, neither of whom possess a personality or disposition
anyone would make a movie about.
Despite
living with us for 12 years, Stinky thinks we're ready to kill her at
any given moment. When you pick her up, she howls as though suffering
the torments of the damned. Even during the few times a year she
actually does want affection, she'll inevitably scratch or bite you
once she's had enough. Worst of all, Stinky likes to sneaky-pee in my
Dave Cave.
Joesy
is a bossy, rotund diva who spends most of the day waiting for her
next meal, and if I don't address her needs fast enough - even at
four in the morning - she lets me know by howling incessantly and
knocking stuff off tables. Then she'll lead the way to the kitchen -
gelatinous gut jiggling like a turkey's wattle - squawking
nonstop as though on the verge of starvation.
I
love my cats, but they aren't remotely like the personable
feline in A Street Cat Named Bob, a rather remarkable
true story based on the best-selling book by James Bowen, who lived
it.
 |
| Bob hates it when Bowen plays "Cat Scratch Fever." |
Bowen
(Luke Treadaway) is a homeless heroin addict making a meager living
as a street musician. He desperately wants to kick the habit, and is
given a second chance when his caseworker, Val (Joanne Froggatt),
sets him up in a tiny apartment, where he can stay as long as he
remains clean. Then Bob, a friendly stray ginger cat, shows up. Though barely able to afford taking care of himself, Bowen feeds Bob and
uses the last of his cash to treat the animal when it's injured.
The
two become inseparable. Bob inspires change in Bowen, giving him
purpose and the will to finally try and get clean. Together, they
eventually endear themselves to the community, as well as Bowen's
neighbor, Betty (Ruta Gedmintas), a young woman still mourning the
death of her brother, who died of a heroin overdose.
 |
| "Mezz wit me an' I kill yous." |
Perhaps
I'm a bit biased because I've always been more cat person, but to
call A Street Cat Named Bob heartwarming is an understatement.
Sure, it's decidedly manipulative and - unless you're a complete
cynic or card-carrying cat hater - one can't help but be charmed by
Bob (mostly played by the real Bob himself). At the same time, this
isn't a sweet, cloying kiddie film where everything is hunky dory.
After all, Bowen is a junkie and the story doesn't shy away from
depicting the hell of addiction and withdrawl. Not only do we see how
it impacted Bowen's life, but also his estranged father's, who has all-but
disowned him to start a new family. As Bowen, Treadaway delivers a sincere, dedicated
performance. His slow transformation from hopeless junkie to someone
who learns to think beyond himself is subtle and convincing.
I have to admit being rendered a bit
misty-eyed as the end credits began to roll. This really is a sweet film that doesn't hit you over the
head with cuteness. Considering most movies about cats are usually pretty
terrible, A Street Cat Named Bob is a cheerful exception,
arguably the best of its kind since 1974's Harry and Tonto. And despite some intense moments, it's suitable for family viewing.
I
shot a glance over at Joesy, who was holding vigil on the sofa next
to me in anticipation of my next visit to the kitchen. I quipped, "Why
can't you be more like Bob?" She blinked and gave me a look that
said, "I bet your wife thinks the same thing about you when
watching Dwayne Johnson movies."
EXTRA
KIBBLES
FEATURETTES:
"Introducing Bob"; "The Story of A Street Cat Named
Bob"
STILL
GALLERY
TRAILER
KITTY CONSENSUS:
PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS
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