A Gift from Bob (promoted as A Christmas Gift from Bob) is a 2020 British Christmasbiographical drama film directed by Charles Martin Smith and written by Garry Jenkins, based on the non-fiction books A Gift from Bob and The Little Book of Bob by James Bowen. It is a sequel to the 2016 film A Street Cat Named Bob, and stars Luke Treadaway, reprising his role as Bowen. Anna Wilson-Jones, Kristina Tonteri-Young, and Bob the Cat co-star. It was released in the United Kingdom by Lionsgate on 6 November 2020, and is the final film appearance of Bob, who died in an accident six months after filming was completed.
Synopsis
James looks back at the last Christmas he and Bob spent scraping a living on the streets and how Bob helped him through one of his toughest times – providing strength, friendship and inspiration – and ultimately teaching each other about the true meaning of Christmas spirit along the way.
This is Street Cat Bob's final film appearance, as he died in an accident in June 2020, approximately six months after filming was completed. The film's end credits carry a dedication in loving memory of Bob.[3]
Additional unnamed cats were used as stand-ins for Bob in some scenes.
Street Cat Bob reprised his role playing himself. The film is dedicated to the titular feline, as he died in an accident in June 2020 (approximately six months after filming was completed).[4]
Charles Martin Smith was selected to direct the film in October 2019, and filming began one month later in November 2019.[5] Filming completed in early 2020.[6]
Music
On 6 November 2020, an accompanying soundtrack album was released. A Christmas Gift from Bob—Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features music by Patrick Neil Doyle with songs by K.T. Wild. Three songs inspired by and written for the movie will appear in the film performed by lead actor Luke Treadaway and a fourth Coming Back To Me (Coming Home) – written and performed by K.T. himself – is played in the film's end credit.[7]
Release
Originally scheduled for a 2020 release in the United Kingdom, the release was pushed back to 2021.[8] In October 2020, it was revealed that the film would be released in cinemas by Lionsgate UK on 6 November 2020.[9] The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray over three weeks later, on 30 November 2020 by Lionsgate Home Entertainment.
Reception
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 78% of 18 critics have given the film a positive review, with an average rating of 5.9/10.[10]
