Latest news with #Annie
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
All aboard… for chills
Linwood Barclay, the U.S.-born, Ontario-based author of many bestselling thrillers and mystery novels, tries his hand at a supernatural thriller oozing with homages to Stephen King in Whistle. Annie Blunt, a bestselling children's book author, is suffering from a traumatic pair of events. Inspired by her popular picture book character Pierce the Penguin, a young boy tries to fly using cardboard wings and plummets to his death. While Annie struggles with feeling responsible for this tragedy, her husband is killed in a hit-and-run car accident. At the behest of her editor, Annie and her young son Charlie retreat to a rented mansion in upstate New York to try and recover some sense of normalcy. The quiet, slow pace of country life seems to be working until Charlie comes across an old model train set. Daniel Crump / Free Press files After setting it up and obsessively running the toy along its track, a number of strange events begin to unfold. And veering away from the cuddly Pierce, Annie's new idea for a character is much darker and more sinister than anything she's attempted before. There's a second storyline woven into the pages of Whistle, one that follows Harry Cook, the chief of police in the small town of Lucknow, Vt. and taking place not long after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Beginning with the mysterious disappearances of two men, a number of odd accidents befall the town, all seeming to somehow connect with the new specialty shop Choo-Choo's Trains and its eccentric owner Edwin Nabler. Fans of Stephen King will likely see a parallel to the 1991 novel Needful Things. Barclay is not shy about how much King has influenced this particular novel, and he includes a number of nods to other King titles including Christine, It and Maximum Overdrive. As well as drawing heavily on Needful Things and its villain Leland Gaunt, Whistle's villain also bears some resemblance to Andre Linoge, the creepy and mysterious bad guy of the 1999 made-for-TV miniseries Storm of the Century, also penned by King. Barclay is clearly a fan and makes no secret of the various influences which have inspired his foray away from thrillers and into supernatural chiller territory. Given that Barclay is playing (at least partially) with a less-modern setting, he might have been better suited to push the timeline back even further, to when model trains were actually popular. There are a couple of half-hearted snipes at video games and other modern toys compared to the precision and uniqueness of the trains, but it seems a stretch that these characters would have taken the slightest interest in this hobby without the supernatural persuasion of Edwin Nabler. Ellis Parinder photo Linwood Barclay And while the titular spooky shop called Needful Things catered to the many tastes of the town residents, Choo-Choo's Trains feels a little too niche for its influence to spread through the whole town. Billed as a spooky chiller, Whistle certainly has elements of horror, but doesn't really evoke many scares. For fans of Barclay's previous oeuvre and other mysteries, this is probably just enough spookiness to remain enjoyable, whereas devoted horror fans may find this one a touch too cozy. And while Barclay uses the split narrative akin to It, breaking the narrative into two branches does cut the tension. In Whistle readers' connection to Annie and Charlie builds, when the narrative suddenly breaks and introduces a whole slew of new characters in Harry's storyline. And because the reader knows Harry's plot takes place 20-some-odd years before Annie's, it can be difficult to invest in that plot. The two plot threads eventually do come together, though it does seem a little forced and relies heavily on coincidence. But like many King novels, Whistle works best when not taken too seriously and simply enjoyed as a thrill ride. A breezy and fun read, Whistle will appeal to fans of vintage Stephen King, particularly the stories set in the Castle Rock region. It doesn't reinvent the formula or introduce anything new, but it might just scratch that particular itch for the type of story King doesn't seem to be as interested in producing anymore. Whistle Keith Cadieux is a Winnipeg writer and editor. His latest story collection, Donner Parties and Other Anti-Social Gatherings, is out now from At Bay Press. He also co-edited the horror anthology What Draws Us Near, published by Little Ghosts Books.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Driving expert issues warning over road sign 'people often get wrong'
Driving expert issues warning over road sign 'people often get wrong' Annie, a registered driving instructor and viral advisor, has issued a warning to motorists about the road sign that people 'get mixed up with' and explained the true meaning People are just realising what the sign means (stock image) (Image: Getty Images ) Mastering road signs is crucial for earning your driving licence, with both the theory test and practical driving assessments requiring a solid understanding of them. However, even seasoned drivers can sometimes find the amount of signs baffling. Fortunately, there's an expert on hand to demystify them. There are a number of lesser-known road signs that drivers may not encounter in their everyday journeys. A driving expert has pointed out that the meanings behind these signs often cause confusion among motorists. She recently elucidated the significance of a blue sign adorned with a 'T' symbol. This sign features a blue backdrop, a white rectangle, and atop it, a smaller red rectangle. Annie, a certified driving instructor who has gained a massive following of 1.2 million on TikTok for her advice, remarked: "People get mixed up with this sign. Some think it's warning you about a T-junction. Some people think it means no entry and some people think it means no through road." "It's really important that you do know what this sign means," she urged drivers. Subway launch special edition strawberries and cream sandwich to mark start of Wimbledon READ MORE: Annie, passionate about imparting her driving wisdom and aiding individuals in honing their driving abilities, also stated: "If you've got a relative who lives down this road, you don't want to think this means no entry. If it was no entry it'd be a circle sign." Article continues below She pointed out that a 'no entry' sign is a red circle with a white rectangle in the middle. Annie clarified for those mistaking the sign for a T junction, stating: "If it was warning you about a T junction it wouldn't be in the recentangle, square shape, it would be in a triangle shape because triangle signs give warnings." Annie confirmed the meaning of the sign, saying: "This sign is giving you information. It's telling you that the road you're about to drive into is a no through road, like a cul de sac when you get to the end of the road and there's no more road." Although it signifies a no through road, it is commonly referred to as a dead end. Surepass Driving School advises that upon seeing this sign, drivers should not enter if they are looking for a through route, as they will have to turn around. Content cannot be displayed without consent This sign is placed at the entrance of roads that do not lead to other roads, signalling a dead end. Reacting to Annie's video, one person commented: "I've been driving since 1976 and it's a dead end." Another shared their mnemonic for the sign, adding: "It's a dead end. If you carry on your dead because there's no more road or your in somebody's house." Someone else remarked: "I just see it as, if you go down this road to a house or something, you'll have to turn around to get out again." Article continues below A resident of a cul de sac mentioned: "I could do with one of these for my cul de sack, might stop people with no spacial awareness comin down and trying to turn round." Expressing gratitude to Annie, one individual commented: "Passed my theory today with help of your videos." Another remarked: "Moving back to the UK in September and need to learn to drive! I'm so nervous for the theory test." Did you know the meaning behind this road sign? Share your answer in the comments below...
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Beloved French veterans spice up this frothy love triangle
RIVIERA REVENGE ★★★½ M. 94 minutes. In cinemas Riviera Revenge is French cinema at its frothiest, with three of its most beloved veterans leading the dance. Sabine Azéma and André Dussollier are cast as Annie and Francois, a couple whose 50- year marriage is based on her willingness to put up with his prejudices. A retired general, he's prone to injecting military attitudes and routines into their family life, as we see during the opening scene at Annie's birthday lunch when he junks a chorus of Happy Birthday in favour of celebrating her with his own rewritten version of the La Marseillaise. His eldest son, Amaury (Gael Giraudeau), who has followed him into the army, cheerfully sings along, but Amaury's siblings, Adrien (Sebastien Chassagne) and Capucine (Joséphine De Meaux) can only hang their heads and look glum. Shortly afterwards, however, Francois' world comes crashing down around his own head with his discovery of a bundle of love letters revealing a fling that Annie had with one of their friends 35 years earlier. Writer-director Ivan Calbérac, who is also a playwright, came up with his script after reading a news report about a 92-year-old Sicilian who became Italy's oldest divorcee when he split with his wife of many years after a similar revelation. Calbérac decided that an adaptation of the story could be perfect for Azéma and Dussollier, who have played husband and wife on screen no less than 10 times. And as Boris, the third member of the love triangle, he settled on the suave Thierry Lhermitte, whose own long career has centred on his mastery of the comedy of manners. When confronted with the letters, Annie responds with a perfect Gallic shrug and says it all happened so long ago that she can barely remember it.
The Age
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Beloved French veterans spice up this frothy love triangle
RIVIERA REVENGE ★★★½ M. 94 minutes. In cinemas Riviera Revenge is French cinema at its frothiest, with three of its most beloved veterans leading the dance. Sabine Azéma and André Dussollier are cast as Annie and Francois, a couple whose 50- year marriage is based on her willingness to put up with his prejudices. A retired general, he's prone to injecting military attitudes and routines into their family life, as we see during the opening scene at Annie's birthday lunch when he junks a chorus of Happy Birthday in favour of celebrating her with his own rewritten version of the La Marseillaise. His eldest son, Amaury (Gael Giraudeau), who has followed him into the army, cheerfully sings along, but Amaury's siblings, Adrien (Sebastien Chassagne) and Capucine (Joséphine De Meaux) can only hang their heads and look glum. Shortly afterwards, however, Francois' world comes crashing down around his own head with his discovery of a bundle of love letters revealing a fling that Annie had with one of their friends 35 years earlier. Writer-director Ivan Calbérac, who is also a playwright, came up with his script after reading a news report about a 92-year-old Sicilian who became Italy's oldest divorcee when he split with his wife of many years after a similar revelation. Calbérac decided that an adaptation of the story could be perfect for Azéma and Dussollier, who have played husband and wife on screen no less than 10 times. And as Boris, the third member of the love triangle, he settled on the suave Thierry Lhermitte, whose own long career has centred on his mastery of the comedy of manners. When confronted with the letters, Annie responds with a perfect Gallic shrug and says it all happened so long ago that she can barely remember it.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Walt Disney helped build a mini railroad that comes with this CA house for sale
A charming estate with major Hollywood ties has landed on the market in Tarzana, California. The property spans 17,181 square feet and has multiple structures, including a 12,170-square-foot primary home. While the residence is jaw-dropping, its connection with two of the most famous names to come out of the Golden Era of Tinseltown is one of its main appeals. Walt Disney and Academy Award-winning director John Huston are both linked to the property. The home was designed for Huston, who directed such films as 'The African Queen,' 'Key Largo,' 'Annie' and 'The Maltese Falcon,' but when it exchanged hands, it got even more magical. 'The estate at 4535 Vanalden Ave. was designed as a grand ranch that was even once visited by friend Frank Lloyd Wright. After Huston's ownership, the property was acquired in 1959 by Gordon and Holly McClean, who became stewards of its unique character for over 20 years,' a news release about the estate says. 'They were close friends of Walt Disney who helped build the miniature railroad complete with a 240-foot tunnel, elevated trestles, landscaped tracks, a working station with turntable, and dual tracks that can run steam, electric, and propane-powered engines.' The house became a hot spot for train enthusiasts and people who just wanted to take a ride on the famous mini-train. Other features of the home, per the listing and release, include: Barn with one bedroom and two bathroomsGuest cottageTrain stationStorage rooms 'Additional highlights include a pool that goes beneath the home, seven ponds, a tennis court, dog run, garden, children's play area, and a reimagined barn for entertaining complete with original reclaimed wood under the bar,' the release says. The listing is held by David Kramer with Compass and Paul Czako with Gussman Czako Estates. Tarzana is about a 20-mile drive northwest from Los Angeles.
