User reviews

Not having seen the first instalment of this movie series, I come at it with no expectations. Overall, I agree with most of the reviewers on here: it is a touching story (based on real-life, which is always a plus). I enjoyed watching the relationship between James (played by Luke Treadaway) and Bob (played by Bob the Cat), their interaction and the way James bonded with Bob. I found myself getting quite upset (maybe even shedding a tear or two) when, for example, Bob got sick. So, for me, at least, the film engaged me, it pulled me in. I did think that some elements of the plot were underdeveloped, the main one being, the shop owner/friend who started the petition. I think this was rather rushed. The acting was strong. Bob is played by a cat, so I will avoid critiquing Bob's performance here. But at the very least, Bob was cute, especially in his Christmas outfit, which is one of the adorable element to this film of course. Luke Treadaway's performance was pretty good. Keep in mind that he is trying to play someone in real-life as opposed to a fictional character; his performance was believable, I believe. The supporting cast was strong with some heartfelt performances. I did not find the film very uplifting in the sense that I thought things were going to get easier (but again, I did not see the first instalment of this series); it felt more to me like, James is going to struggle but he knows he has Bob and others to help him survive. I am not sure that is uplifting in a traditional sense ....but maybe it is for some. Overall, it is a touching story with some quality performances and an adorable cat, of course. If you are a cat lover and looking for a family holiday movie, then this one is for you.

A Gift from Bob is a 2020 Christmas biography film and sequel to the 2016 film, A street cat name Bob. The storyline is about strength, friendship inspiration and teaches people about the meaning of Christmas. A lovely light hearted film to watch especially if you are a cat lover. No way as good as the first film but still okay to watch. Good acting and is very well directed. Something to watch on a Sunday evening with the family. I thought it was okay to watch and enjoyed it myself. This movie is currently streaming on Prime right now for free. Based on a true story

So the story is ridiculously slight, and by the time it got to the film's second half, and I realised what was happening/going to happen for the rest of its runtime, I was sort of like, "that's it?"

Also, most characters in this act a bit like NPCs in a video game, interacting with and existing around the protagonist and his cat.

But thanks to that cat, this movie is actually mostly redeemed. Everything not Bob-related is a bit flat and overly sentimental, but Bob was such a loveable, adorable cat (and he gets a little Christmas outfit in this!) that much of the movie is watchable thanks to his chemistry, and interactions with the film's main character.

The fact he passed away the year this came out does add an extra layer of emotion to the film that it otherwise might not have- while the movie's not great, it is great to have a way to see Bob play himself one last time.

If you don't like cats, though, this probably won't be very enjoyable for you.

In a regular year I'd probably dismiss this as schmaltzy hallmark nonsense but it is indeed the year of our lord 2020 and I am in desperate need of anything that makes me feel optimistic about the world. The film also importantly features a very cute cat (which is my kryptonite) so no apologies for enjoying this.

Found this one overly preachy and formulaic.

It's good to see Luke Treadaway return as James, as well as Bob the Cat; before his sad passing. However, everything else felt too forced in 'A Christmas Gift from Bob'. The plot is boring and predictable, with most of the dialogue feeling like it's telling us about issues rather than showing us; which is the opposite of the 2016 film.

Away from Treadaway, who is solid, there aren't any exceptional support casts - though I did like Phaldut Sharma's Moody. It misses Ruta Gedmintas and Joanne Froggatt, though I can understand that they might not have fitted with the story that they went for here; especially Froggatt.

It does have some sweet scenes still, as well as the expected cat cuteness. Unfortunately, it just didn't work due to the earlier mentioned problems - at least in my opinion. It's nothing terrible, granted.

I loved the first one and I loved this one just as much. Such a beautiful story, really uplifting and very emotional. Highly recommended

We watched this movie this afternoon . I think this is a beautiful must watch movie . I loved reading whole story of Bob and James . I think I cried most of the way through , but it has such an amazingly happy ending . Luke Treadaway is brilliant as James and the amazing Bob , second to none as himself . I think knowing that Bob passed away in June made it even sadder for me and the fact that I never got to meet the most amazing cat I have ever heard of . I give this movie 10/10 .

This movie is very good,i like it very much.very nice christmas gifts

This movie was such a disappointment to me. Whoever wrote the script has clearly never read the books. An improbable storyline, they have sought to create a feel-good movie at the cost of any credibly. Extremely cringeworthy, I couldn't wait for the movie to end.

Such a beautiful movie, good movie for a cat lover and animal lover, best family movie

The first film, although no classic, was decent, the book was even better. This, however, almost felt like a remake, not really sure what the point of it was. It's not really telling us much we don't know already.

Luke Treadaway plays the sympathetic James once again, and does so really well, this being the only highlight in a mainly drab and predictable movie. 5/10

"This movie is still inspiring, still beautiful, and still entertaining, i really like the first one and this one have a same energy like the first one, it's very nice tribute to Bob himself who sadly died this year, Luke Treadaway still have the character, and in the end this movie still makes me goosebump in the end same like the first one, this is a very good christmas movie, and very inspiring movie, i recommended"

This was a complete non-story, anyone who knows anything about the council officers jobs would find the portrait very disappointing. Stereotypes of council staff. Nothing happened slowly

Having seen the first movie I was keen to see the sequel. The first one was a beautifully told story of a homeless man,James, an addict, who found redemption in a stray cat named Bob. This sequel is told equally well. Its a very simple storyline, with a few pantomine moments, but nevertheless it has powerful messages. The level of feeling between James and the cat is very deep, and he is always aware how important Bob has been in his recovery, giving him the strength to start a new life, and a better one for Bob too.. The film was all the more moving given that we knew Bob has passed away not long after making this film. RIP Bob.

Enjoyed the first one and fancied a Cristmas film but not impressed by this I'm afraid

If you liked the first one, then you'll enjoy this just as much. Theres loads of things to be critical about if you wished to be - but it's a christmas movie so just enjoy. There's ham acting, some cringeworthy performances and a pantomime villain you want to shout "booo" to- but that's what's so endearing and fun about this film. Yes, it's pretty unsophisticated- but it has a charm that makes my family and I feel good -and that's all the Christmas medicine I need thankyou very much.

As captivating as the plot wants to be it is positively boring and predictable!

Bob has about as much personality as limp celery - and yes - I realize it's a cat and cats do cat things.

It's the same old story - James is doing his best to get-by in life with his pet Bob but the animal welfare is out to make James life sorrowful. You've seen this story dozens of times!

Such a cute film, got very invested. If you want something easy to watch I recommend !

If you are looking to watch a Christmas movie, then this is not the one to watch. The production quality and acting was so bad I could literally use a three year old babie to be the main character and it would do a better job. The plot was horrible and boring I almost fell asleep. There is not much excitement in a homeless man's life and this completely sums it up. Unless you want to experience a homeless man's life, this is so bad and such a waste of your time.

What made a Street at Great was the awesome soundtrack whick is sadly lacking in this sequel.

Enjoyed this almost as much as the first film of the book. A touching, unique story.