Moustache Lockdown Streaming Survival Guide Part 11 | A Christmas Gift From Bob

Christmas Day is almost upon us and the world is still caught up in the Covid-19 pandemic. So we here at The Movie Moustache decided to continue with a Christmas theme for our Lockdown Streaming Survival Guide. This time we're looking at the sequel to the much beloved 'A Street Cat Named Bob'.

As always you can check out our Moustache Lockdown Streaming Survival Guide in its entirety by clicking here.

After leaving his publisher's Christmas party, James Bowen (Luke Treadaway) witnesses an event that causes him to look back on his and Bob's last Christmas busking on the streets of London. One that proved to be the most challenging, as James had to fight to stop animal welfare officers from taking Bob away from him.

There's nothing quite like watching a heart-warming animal story, especially at Christmas. Luke Treadaway returns to his beloved role as James Bowen, the man struggling with his own demons who rescued a cat and was himself rescued. Seeing him reunited with the world-famous feline - once again playing himself - is as delightful as it ever was. Unsurprisingly this is a movie that will make you want to grab hold of your pets and squeeze them tightly. Together Bob and his co-star show us the wonderful effect animals can have on us, as well as reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas; caring for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

The problem is; 'A Christmas Gift From Bob' doesn't really do anything new. It feels like we're going over the same territory as the first movie, there are no real stakes, and it's because of this the movie isn't as engaging as its predecessor. Add to that what comes across as a rather contrived story about an arsehole council worker trying to take Bob away from James, and you're left with something that feels like a low budget remake of 'A Street Cat Named Bob'. Instead, it might have been more interesting to see how the lives of James and Bob have changed since the release of their first book, and how that affected them.

Unfortunately though, even in its happiest moments, I couldn't help feeling sad that Bob is no longer with us. That said, a Sunday afternoon spent on the sofa watching a movie about this incredible pair was still enjoyable. And in that way, 'A Christmas Gift From Bob' does make for a touching tribute to this incredible cat, who saved a man's life and touched the heart of millions.

Merry Christmas James and Bob.

Despite feeling a little bit like a rehash of the first movie, 'A Christmas Gift From Bob' is still a heart-warming tale of a man and his cat, one imbued with the spirit of Christmas.

6/10

Both 'A Street Cat Named Bob' and 'A Christmas Gift From Bob' are available to stream on Amazon Prime.

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