A Christmas Gift From Bob Review
By Lee Curtis
Set against the backdrop of London lit up like a winter wonderland, this touching tale is full of moments of sweetness with James’ genuine kindness, Bob being adorably dressed as Santa, and the rendition of Jingle Bells Bob-style all sure to raise a smile.
To say 2020 has been tough is an understatement. Thankfully, as nights draw in, the temperature drops, and people begin putting up their decorations a little bit earlier to lift their spirits, the first new Christmas film of the year arrives to distract us from all the doom and gloom by spreading some festive cheer.
Whether you’re waking up to the first frost of winter or hearing the first notes of Mariah’s much-loved anthem on the radio, you instantly know whether you’re ready to get into the Christmas spirit or would prefer putting it off for as long as possible. If you’re the latter, then this isn’t for you because from the moment it begins you know what you’re going to get.
Bringing James Bowen’s second bestseller to life, A Christmas Gift From Bob catches up with the once homeless musician turned author and his beloved street cat companion sometime after we first met them. Luke Treadaway returns to the starring role as recovering addict and reunites with Bob the Cat to tell the tale of the last Christmas they spent together on the streets.
Seeing James and Bob back together will warm fans’ hearts as much as it brightens the day of every passer-by they meet. Set against the backdrop of London lit up like a winter wonderland, this touching tale is full of moments of sweetness with James’ genuine kindness, Bob being adorably dressed as Santa, and the rendition of Jingle Bells Bob-style all sure to raise a smile – even if “Jingle Bob” doesn’t have much chance at Christmas number one.
But it’s not all smiles and sweetness, this tearjerking tale is equally tragic as it shows the crushing reality of the country’s homeless crisis as we see James struggle to make ends meet, keep Bob safe, and face an Animal Welfare investigation that threatens to separate them.
Every bit a modern-day busking George Bailey, James is having the worst week imaginable as he faces the loss of the one thing that kept him alive. However, we’re sure it’s no spoiler to say that just like James Stewart’s legendary building and loan banker, our James realises just how wonderful life is in this festive winter warmer that’s the sort of feel-good film so many of us need right now.
A Christmas Gift From Bob is in select UK cinemas from 6 November. This Christmassy crowd-pleaser is certainly one to look forward to when cinemas hopefully reopen in December.
