Run late to a Ross Noble show at your own risk. No matter whether you try boldly strutting through as if nothing was happening or attempting some weird hunched over jog – the man will notice. More than that, he’ll riff on your behaviour for a solid ten minutes, ultimately culminating in a mimed hunchback striptease to the tune of Tina Turner’s ‘Private Dancer’ (only it’s ‘Private Hunchback’ instead). As he frequently reminds us, Ross Noble shows reward two types of people – the punctual and those with a daft sense of humour.

 

No two Ross Noble shows are alike. He’s a master of improv comedy and will frequently tangent off into the strangest of domains. One moment he’s talking about a nasty case of chafing, another he’s motioning to a pile of imaginary penguins to the side of stage (everyone looks over and he laughs heartedly at our expense). Well, that was our show at least. Yours will likely be completely different.

 

Rumour is that Noble hits the stage with only four words on a piece of paper and the rest just comes from his surreal mind. That’s both the blessing and curse of what he does. Each show feels fresh and the chance that the show could head in any direction at any time is genuinely exciting. It’s like he’s playing free jazz with the absurd. This freewheeling approach unfortunately does lead to the occasional note that falls flat. Luckily such moments are often few and far between.

 

Where Noble really shines is his crowd-work. He frequently encourages the interaction of anyone willing to step up and get involved. Whether he’s battling multiple audience members over exactly what town they’re yelling at him (‘Toodyay’) or exploring what gifts had been left on the stage (a long-time tradition at Noble shows – this time a bag of fruit and a blu-ray copy of his film ‘Stitches’.. from Video-Ezy.. with a note asking ‘is it any good? We don’t have enough HDMI cables’). You can sense it’s an element of the show Noble gleefully looks forward to every night.

 

Noble has been a frequent Australian visitor for years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. He’s currently on a whirlwind tour of the country – and even if you’ve missed him, make sure you see him next time around. You’re guaranteed two full hilarious hours of inventive and unruly absurd comedy. Just make sure you run on time…

Trust us, we know how easy it is to kick back and stay home on a Winter weekend. After all that’s where the Netflix is! There’s so much happening in Perth this weekend though. So much in fact that we thought we’d share with you five of the most exciting events to check out instead of staying at home…

 

1. SkillsWest

 

Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a complete career change, you need to check out WA’s largest careers and employment event. Running from Friday through to Sunday, there’s over 80 organisations and employers on site with career opportunities for all ages. You can learn how to write a winning resume, experience daily career seminars, enjoy interactive displays – and hey, even come and say hello to your favourite radio people. That’s right, Boom’s broadcasting live all weekend! Find out more here: http://skillswestexpo.com.au

 

2. Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood

 

Love him or hate him, few directors still get people talking like Quentin Tarantino. The man who brought us classics like Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and Inglourious Basterds has finally released his 9^th film. Starring an all-star cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie – Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood takes us back to the iconic city’s cinematic glory days of 1969.  You’re in for quite a ride, and a long one too at nearly three hours! This one’s screening pretty much everywhere so check the listing of your favourite cinema.

 

3. Ross Noble

 

No two Ross Noble shows are alike. Allegedly he only writes down four words before hitting the stage… then anything can happen and quite often does. The Englishman is an absolute whirlwind of surreal and on-the-fly comedy. If you’ve never seen him before, or if you’ve seen him more times than you can count, you’re always guaranteed one very funny evening. Ross is performing all over W.A. this month, including two more shows at the Astor Theatre on Friday and Saturday. Tickets available through Ticketek.

 

4. Harry Potter Quiz Night

 

Think you know your Hedwig from your Hogwarts? Then head down to the Leederville Function Centre on Saturday night for the Harry Potter Quiz Night! Dress up as your favourite wizard, try Wizard bingo, and prove you’re the biggest Potter fan of all! Tickets are only $22, or $220 for a table of ten. This is an 18+ event but underage wizards are allowed with a parent or guardian. Full details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1773252709487876/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Australian Boomers vs Canada Basketball

 

Don’t worry sport fanatics, we haven’t forgotten you! Easily one of the most exciting games this weekend is the Australian Boomers taking on Canada Basketball. Both teams are preparing for the FIBA World Cup and are absolutely packed with NBA players. Who will be the best in the west? You’ll need to find out at these two huge games! See the Australian Boomers vs Canada Basketball on Friday and Saturday night at RAC Arena. More details here – https://www.racarena.com.au/Events/AUSTRALIAN-BOOMERS-VS-CANADA-BASKETBALL

Boom Radio are back again for the annual Skills West Expo for 2019 held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year’s expo will once again run over 3 consecutive days beginning Friday 16^th August to Sunday 18^th August.

The public will have the opportunity to check out a variety of trades and courses to open their eyes to new learning opportunities and find more information about new potential career pathways which is available across a selection of industries.

Boom Radio will be broadcasting live from the event every day showcasing their skills they have learnt whilst studying at North Metro Tafe, Radio Broadcasting Advanced Diploma course.

The BOOM Radio team will be on location providing a heap of giveaways, prizes

and you too can have on-air experience with the amazing team at the expo.

Last year was a massive success for Boom Radio and we hope to have the same amount of success this time around. The team is very excited to get involved and create some great content as part of the Skills West Careers Expo.

North Metropolitan TAFE Leederville offer a diploma and advanced diploma in Radio Broadcasting, Screen and Media. Boom radio is an on campus non-for-profit student run station.

Come down this weekend to see all the BOOM Radio gang.

 

             

It was always going to be contentious. How could you possibly add another film to one of the most beloved film trilogies of all time? Toy Story 4 has at the very least dared to try. Some fans were outraged, others were excited, but it was impossible not to have an opinion on Pixar’s latest release. The film company isn’t new to the sequel game either. Even outside of Toy Story, they’ve followed up the likes of Monsters Inc, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo (the less said about the Cars franchise, the better), with varying levels of success. So could Pixar reach cinematic magic again with the return of Woody, Buzz and the gang? It was at least worth trying.

Somehow it feels like a sneaky trick. Toy Story 4 opens with a montage of a young Andy, the original owner of Woody and Buzz, playing with the toys. It takes us right back to how those original films felt. Then suddenly we’re transported to the modern-day. Andy’s grown up, the toys now live with the adorable Bonnie, and life’s back to how it always was… or is it? Woody is increasingly being left behind, and in a fit of desperation, sneaks into Bonnie’s backpack for kindergarten orientation. There, Bonnie quite literally ‘makes’ a new friend…Forky, who believes he’s trash (and is likely coming to a relatable meme near you).

Soon Woody, Forky and the rest are scooped up for one last road-trip before kindergarten truly begins. On the way, they meet new friends and old… cue the entrance of Bo Peep, Woody’s old flame. Forky soon escapes, adventures begin, and Woody ultimately must decide… is it better to be a lost toy or, to quote an old classic, ‘a child’s plaything’?

Toy Story 4 is clearly Woody’s story and your mileage may vary in this regard. If he’s your favourite, or just adore Tom Hanks (and who doesn’t? The man even claims he teared up recording his final lines) – you’re all set. If you understandably miss Buzz, Rex, Slinky and the rest, you may end up disappointed. The appearance of Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele as boisterous funfair toys add the strongest laughs, but the other new additions are mostly forgettable.

So was Toy Story 4 necessary? Some will claim it finally wraps the story up completely, others wish they’d just left the gang on the doorstep in Vol. 3, but hopefully, most will agree that it was heart-warming to spend time with some old pals again. Toy Story still has a friend in me.

3/5

As we reach the end of this decade, it’s a prime time to look back at the films that defined the last ten years. One of the strongest running themes has been coming-of-age stories based on unique and authentic women characters. From Olive in Easy A, Nadine in The Edge of Seventeen, and the titular character of Lady Bird, these films have been some of the most heartwarming and entertaining of the 2010s. Booksmart is the latest addition to that fantastic group.

Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) are in the last days of highschool before Beanie goes away to college and Amy to Botswana for a gap year. They’ve worked hard, avoided partying and lived by the rules so they can set up their future… unlike the rest of their unruly peers. Or, so it seems, until Molly learns that those same peers are all heading to esteemed colleges as well. Outraged by this injustice, Molly demands that she and Amy make the most of their time left together… and hit that big pre-graduation party.

It might be a tale as old as time, and its promotion as the ‘female Superbad’ rings true, but Booksmart quickly wins its audience over. That’s all down to the instantly likeable characters and performances of Dever and Feldstein. When the film’s humour occasionally falls flat in the first half, both actresses keep you on side the entire time – even if they’ve just hijacked a pizza van.

The story grows more powerful once the big party begins and revelations spill out between the two best friends. This dramatic edge is where the film really shines and adds some necessary gravitas. Props must also be given to the film’s honest and authentic portrayal of LGBTIQA issues – Amy is a proudly out teenager throughout the film and Booksmart treats this element with the respect it deserves.

Booksmart captures the feeling of leaving high school perfectly – exciting and surprisingly melancholy. Expect to laugh, tear up and celebrate by throwing your hat into the air.

 

4/5

 

Where were you on June 20, 1969? Chances are, if you’re in Boom’s demographic, you weren’t even born yet. That’s alright because Apollo 11 takes you right back to that moment in time: the very first time that man stepped on the moon. There has been a near-infinite amount of documentaries, films, books and even songs written about this historic event – but it’s safe to say none of them will eclipse this breathtaking doco anytime soon.

What makes Apollo 11 stand out is purely down to its construction. There’s no typical talking heads, pop culture artefacts or narration to be found in this film. Instead it’s almost entirely built up from archival footage and recordings as the mission was taking place. From the morning before launch, right through the voyage itself, until the astronauts arrive back home – you are there with them throughout every moment. What’s most surprising is that although we know the story, you’ll still be held in a state of suspense hoping it all works out. When the base NASA crew break out into cheers as the team reach the moon, you’ll be cheering right with them.

Now, without narration to explain exactly what’s happening, it can be easy to get lost in all the space lingo and terminology – but the stunning images and sound is enough to keep you impressed by the sheer magnitude of the mission alone. Whether that’s the enormity of the ship or watching Armstrong and Aldrin step out for the very first time, it still feels as massive now as it did then. The film will also likely inspire you to research and find out more about what you’ve just seen.

Apollo 11 is an absolute wonder – both as one of man’s greatest achievements and as a spellbinding documentary. Even if you think you’ve heard the story enough times before, this is one ride worth taking again.

4.5/5

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut Get Out was the rarest of films… a horror movie that drove in hordes of non-horror fans. It combined genuine thrills with a darkly funny core that won over almost everyone who saw it. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, Peele’s love of horror combined with his ongoing success with comedy partner Keegan-Michael Key provoked an impressive new voice in cinema. Of course, if you’ve done it once, expectations are high for the follow-up. Now Peele brings us… Us. Not necessarily a direct sequel to Get Out but the next in Peele’s line of ‘social thrillers’.

 

Us flashes to different points in the life of Adelaide Thomas (Lupita Nyong’o in one of her finest performances yet). We see a family vacation she took as a child including an eerie beachside house of mirrors. We see the aftermath of some mysterious trauma. Then most of the movie is spent with Adelaide as a mother. Her family has tripped out to the family’s Santa Cruz beach house. They take an unsettling trip to that same beach Adelaide had seen as a child. Back at the house later that night, am enraged group breaks in and threatens Adelaide’s family. The intruders are exact doppelgangers out for vengeance.

 

Going any further would be spoiler-ridden territory but once Us gets going it’s a non-stop thrill ride. The laughs are still prevalent, but this time Peele has evened out the comedy-horror quotient to 30/70. Get ready for the occasional jump scare and literally head-turning changes of pace because Us keeps you guessing. Which may be the only criticism of this movie. Us often feels like it’s pointing towards some deeper issue but it remains stubbornly elusive. There’s no easy answers and that’s for better or worse. You’ll likely leave the cinema carefully considering what it all means, there’s already a world of conspiracies and fan analysis online, but you may never reach it.

 

Us is a thoroughly successful follow up from Jordan Peele and proves Get Out was far from a fluke. Peele claims there’s more social thrillers to follow, we can’t wait for him to scare us again.

 

4/5