Tag: Wanda Maximoff

The Atlantis: The Lost Empire Book Tag

On By 18cinemalane1 Comment

June 15th, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of Atlantis: The Lost Empire’s release. Since Atlantis: The Lost Empire is one of my favorite animated movies, I wanted to do something to celebrate this special milestone! One of the squares on 18 Cinema Lane’s Year-Long Bingo Card is “Complete at least one book tag”. This gave me the idea to participate in a book tag based on Atlantis: The Lost Empire! But when I searched Booktube (the book community on Youtube), I couldn’t find an Atlantis: The Lost Empire themed book tag in existence. So, I chose to create my own! In this book tag, I came up with questions based on the movie’s key characters. Each question relates to something that either happens to the character in the movie, something the character possesses, or one of the character’s quotes. If you’re interested in participating in the Atlantis: The Lost Empire book tag, you are welcome!

The Atlantis: The Lost Empire Book Tag banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Character images and title card originally created by Walt Disney Pictures, Eastman Film, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Feature Animation, and Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. Book covers images found on Goodreads. Universal globe picture found in the Youtube video,
‘A Deep Dive Into Classic Universal Studios Florida’ (from the Youtube channel, Poseidon Entertainment). Picture of Mary from The Children’s Hour found on IMDB.

Milo

Throughout Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Milo never gives up on finding Atlantis, even when he originally faced scrutiny from the Smithsonian Institute’s board of directors. What book series do you see yourself not giving up on?

I’ve brought up in the past how much I’ve enjoyed the Figure Skating Mystery series. While I thought the second and third book was fine, I still believe the best book is the first one. With Figure Skating Mystery containing only five books, this means there’s only two books I have yet to read. It’s been interesting to read about Rebecca “Bex” Levy’s balance between being a figure-skating researcher and an amateur detective. Plus, the longer I read the Figure Skating Mystery books, the more I learn about sports researching and broadcasting. So, I’d like to see how Bex’s story continues and learn more from her world!

Kida

While recounting the state of Atlantis, Kida says, “We [Atlanteans] are like a stone the ocean beats against. With each passing year a little more of us is worn away”. Which book would you save from becoming lost to time?

When it comes to lost media, I rarely hear books being brought up in the conversation. Though I wouldn’t consider the Palm Beach Prep series lost media yet, I fear it could become that. This is because a) I barely hear anybody talking about it and b) the books are out of print. If this series were lost to time, middle-grade readers would miss out on a story that teaches them how to work with their peers to solve problems and maintain friendships. Explaining why the series’ bully, Cara, is the way she is seems like a storytelling concept that was ahead of its time, especially from the middle-grade genre from the ‘80s and ‘90s. You’d think with ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia being capitalized on in pop culture, there’d be a push to either get the Palm Beach Prep series reprinted or give the series a little more recognition. As far as I know, none of these things have happened.

Audrey

As a gifted mechanic, Audrey is tasked with making sure the Ulysses submarine and the team’s vehicles run smoothly throughout the expedition. What book had a pace you thought ran smoothly?

One of the best books I read last year was Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex! A reason why I liked this graphic novel was how steady the pace was. Throughout the book, no parts of the story were either drawn-out or felt like padding. The steadier pace of Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex helped maintain the story’s intrigue and engagement! This pace also allowed the story to adopt heart-warming moments, which I found a pleasant surprise.

Vinny

One of Vinny’s most memorable lines is “Hey look, I made a bridge” after creating a pathway using dynamite. What literary worlds would you like to see bridged together?

I already mentioned in this book tag how I’ve enjoyed the Figure Skating Mystery series. Another series I’ve enjoyed, so far, is the Murder, She Wrote series. One of the books in that series is Skating on Thin Ice, where Jessica tries to solve the murder of someone connected to the world of figure skating. With Bex being a figure-skating researcher, a figure skating event and a mystery surrounding it would be a perfect opportunity to bridge Bex’s and Jessica’s world! It would be fascinating to see them working together to solve a case, especially since, more often than not, they solve mysteries on their own.

Joshua “Doctor Sweet” Sweet

According to Disney Wiki, Doctor Sweet was the first character to show Milo kindness during the Atlantis expedition. Which book character would you give kindness to?

I’m familiar with the saying, “Be kinder than necessary, for everyone is facing some kind of battle”. With that said, I’d give kindness to Doris from The Red Address Book. Without spoiling the book, all I’ll say is Doris experienced several major hardships in her life. In fact, as I read The Red Address Book, it felt like I spent more time reading about her misfortunes which kind of made the book feel too “doom and gloom”. I honestly wish the story contained more joyous moments, as well as moments where Doris received kindness. This way, a balanced view of the world would be presented in The Red Address Book, reminding readers how the world can be both cruel and beautiful.

Mole

When Milo meets Mole, he discovers Mole’s dirt collection, with each particle of dirt coming from different parts of the world. If you could collect dirt from a book’s world, where would you go?

I don’t remember if the world of Piranesi contains any dirt. If it does, that’s exactly where I’m going! Because the world of Piranesi is so different and fantastical from the “real world”, I’d love to know how different the dirt there is. So, I would want to collect a sample, test it, and learn more about it.

Cookie

On Cookie’s chest is a tattoo of “all 38 states”. Which book would you choose out of the states represented in Cookie’s tattoo?

Based on what is shown of Cookie’s tattoo in the movie, one of the states appears to be Tennessee. Because of that, I’ll select Before and After: The Incredible Real-Life Stories of Orphans Who Survived the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. The quality of the book’s writing allowed the book to be thought-provoking, as well as gave adoptees’ and their families’ stories reverence. The use of descriptive imagery also added memorability to the overall story. This is not only one of the most important books I’ve ever read, it’s the best book I’ve read this year, so far! I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the Tennessee Children’s Home Society from adoptees’ perspective.

Wilhelmina “Mrs. Packard” Packard

According to Disney Wiki, “Packard is hardly involved during the journey to Atlantis”. Yet as the Officer of Communications, Mrs. Packard plays a vital role in the Atlantis expedition. Which underrated book character do you wish received more recognition?

I brought up earlier in this book tag how I barely hear anybody talking aboutthe Palm Beach Prep series. That means characters like Alicia aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. I would love to see Alicia get her “standing ovation” because, in my opinion, she’s the most interesting character in this series! Not only have the writers done a good job balancing her flaws and likable qualities, she also has the heart of a saint. In fact, Alicia was the first character who showed the series’ protagonist, Quinn, kindness, similar to how Doctor Sweet showed Milo kindness. I kind of wish the Palm Beach Prep series was primarily about Alicia and her story.

Preston B. Whitmore

Because of his funding, Mr. Whitmore is the reason why the Atlantis expedition happens in the first place. If you possessed a large sum of money, what book related purpose would you use the money for?

Since Jessica Fletcher is an author on the Murder, She Wrote television show and since there is a book series associated with the tv show, I believe this answer will count for this question. Two years ago, I wrote an editorial advocating for the creation of Murder, She Wrote Weekend. Through a basic concept of the event’s schedule, I proposed how the fan event could benefit both the fans of Murder, She Wrote and Universal Orlando Resort. But if there’s one thing I know about hosting any kind of fan-related event, it’s that money (and how much is invested) plays an important factor in how smoothly the event is run. So, if I possessed a large sum of money, I’d use it to not only make Murder, She Wrote Weekend a reality, but to also build it into an event people want to continue attending.

Kashekim Nedakh and the Queen of Atlantis

Kashekim and the Queen of Atlantis play important roles in Kida’s story, despite spending most of the movie apart. Which book couple do you wish had gotten to spend more time together?

Like I said earlier in this book tag, Bex solves mysteries on her own in the Figure Skating Mystery series. But that changed in the third book, Axel of Evil, when Bex was paired with a man named Sasha. I liked this part of the book because it provided a unique dynamic to the series. It also lay the foundation for a potential romance. I would be interested to see where Sasha and Bex’s relationship goes after Axel of Evil. But based on the synopsis for Figure Skating Mystery’s fourth and fifth book, I’m not sure if their relationship will get acknowledged. Therefore, I’m selecting Bex and Sasha as my answer for this question!

Helga

As one of the villains of Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Helga is not intended to be a likable character. In your opinion, what book possesses an unlikable female character?

As of mid June, 2026, the worst book I’ve ever read is Veronika Decides to Die.While both of the book’s female characters, Veronica and Zedka, are unlikable, Veronica (the protagonist) is worse. Not only is Veronica self-centered and entitled, she has the audacity to believe she’s better than the other patients at the hospital she resides at. She also treats her love interest, Eduard, so disrespectfully, I wish Veronica faced accountability for her behavior. While I had other issues with Veronika Decides to Die, Veronica’s consistent unlikability was one of the book’s biggest flaws.

Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke

In Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Rourke desired to locate a book called the Shepherd’s Journal. Once found, he removes one of the pages from the Shepherd’s Journal in an effort to use that page for bad intentions. Which book would you not want to see fall into a fictional villain’s hands?

In my recent review of The Children’s Hour, I talked about the movie’s antagonist named Mary. She’s a very manipulative and controlling girl who created a rumor that ruined her teachers’ lives and careers. Mary did this simply because she hated her teachers for disciplining her. With that said, I wouldn’t want Mary to get her hands on any book from the murder-mystery genre. Those kinds of stories are not appropriate for children to read. Plus, I’d be concerned how Mary would interpret the text, especially considering she had no qualms destroying the lives and careers of her teachers. Because Mary’s accountability for creating the rumor is never addressed in The Children’s Hour, there’s a chance she could continue her horrible behavior.

Have fun in Atlantis!

Sally Silverscreen

A Movie Blogger’s Ten “Hot Takes” on Film

On By 18cinemalane3 Comments

Back in August, I published my review of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Face to Face. That article became my 425th published movie review. Then, when I published my review of Kind Hearts and Coronets, it became my 950th published post. To honor these milestones, I’m creating a type of list I have never written before. Over the seven years 18 Cinema Lane has existed, I have shared some of my “hot takes” on film. However, I haven’t created a list exclusively about movie “hot takes”. That is why, for this list, I will address my film related “hot takes” I didn’t previously discuss on my blog. This decision was made to keep the list itself fresh and interesting. I will also organize each “hot take” based on how “hot” each take could be perceived. Before I begin this list, I’d like to state how my list is not intended to be mean-spirited or negative. It’s just simply a way to express my opinion.

Campfire with marshmellows and shooting stars image created by macrovector at freepik.com.

10. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Should Have Been a Christmas Movie

I’m not saying Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit is a bad movie. I’m not even saying it’s a bad sequel, as I respect how the script tries to tell a new story instead of attempting to recapture the magic of the first film. However, I do believe it was a huge missed opportunity not to have Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit set during Christmas. I can picture Saint Katherine’s Parish, the church featured in the first movie, beautifully decked out in Christmas adornments. And can you imagine what Christmas songs like ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Away in a Manger’, and ‘Joy to the World’ would have sounded like under Deloris’/Sister Mary Clarence’s leadership? If those versions were even half as good as the songs were in Sister Act, the audience would have been in for a musical treat! Though there’s no guarantee making Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit a Christmas movie would have made it better or just as good as its predecessor. Therefore, this is the mildest “hot take” on my list.

9. Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones Should Have Shared More Screen-Time Together in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

One of my favorite movie scenes of all time is Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ interaction in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Not only does this scene recontextualize everything the audience knew about Calypso/Tia Dalma up until that point, Naomie Harris and Bill Nighy’s on-screen chemistry made the attraction between Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones believable. This attraction makes me wish they shared more screen-time together. Throughout Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ interaction, issues are left unresolved and words are left unspoken. Yet their love for each other is still evident. Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones should have received an opportunity to resolve their issues and honestly communicate with one another. But in a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End with so many moving parts to it, aspects of the story like Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ relationship were overlooked.

8. Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s Story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Should Have Been an Adaptation of Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex

For this year’s Eurovisionathon readathon, I read Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex. As I read the graphic novel, I couldn’t help but feel the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) missed a great opportunity to adapt this story. Based on what I know about the MCU, mentor figures aren’t common. Agatha Harkness could have provided mentorship to Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch like she did in the graphic novel, helping guide her throughout Phase 2 and beyond. Adapting Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex would have given the MCU a reason to weave Serbian and Roma culture into Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s, as well as Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver’s, narrative. Themes of family, identity, and what it truly means to be a superhero could have also been explored. While I haven’t seen any of the MCU’s projects after Avengers: Endgame, I have heard of the directions Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s story have taken. Had Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex been adapted, maybe her story would have been better than what the audience received.

7. Cheryl Frasier from Miss Congeniality is More Intelligent Than Most People Give Her Credit For

The “April 25th” scene from Miss Congeniality is one of the most quotable and meme-able moments in film history. This scene is how most people know Cheryl Frasier (a.k.a. Miss Rhode Island), one of the story’s key characters. The moment where Cheryl chooses “April 25th” as her answer for her idea of a perfect date is presented as giving the wrong answer. Though whenever I think of this scene, I see it very differently. In an interview/question segment of a pageant, contestants must utilize their time wisely to earn enough points to progress to the next segment. With that said, Cheryl utilized critical thinking skills, logic, and looking outside the box to not only select her iconic answer, but to also come up with an explanation for that answer all within a limited period of time. Plus, I can understand how she would describe a date on the calendar, as the question is vague enough to be interpreted in different ways. This is one of the best examples from Miss Congeniality of Cheryl being more intelligent than most people give her credit for.

6. Pennywise from Stephen King’s IT (1990) is More Annoying Than Scary

Years ago, I saw Stephen King’s IT for the first time. But I found the experience underwhelming. One contributor was how Pennywise was more annoying than scary. While there were horrifying moments involving Pennywise, these moments were far and few between. One scene that always comes to mind is when Pennywise is in a library. In this scene, he was so over-the-top, loud, and obnoxious, his act got old really fast. I couldn’t take Pennywise seriously as a horror movie villain, as his silliness made him less threatening. Even in the film’s climax, his role was such a let-down, sucking all the suspense out of that scene. Tim Curry, the actor who portrayed Pennywise, is not at fault because he tried his best with the acting material provided. The fault lies with the director and screenwriters of Stephen King’s IT.

Group of Christmas figures image created by Pikisuperstar at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Pikisuperstar – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-cute-christmas-character_3188970.htm’>Designed by Pikisuperstar</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

5. Gabby Gabby from Toy Story 4 is a Poorly Written Character

When I saw Toy Story 4 in 2019, I thought Gabby Gabby was a poorly written character. Six years later, I still feel this way about her. It seemed like the creative team behind Toy Story 4 couldn’t decide if Gabby Gabby should be the story’s villain, anti-hero, or simply misunderstood. So, instead of giving her one role and sticking to that creative decision, the creative team gave her all three roles. When Gabby Gabby received a redemption arc, I didn’t feel that was earned. How am I supposed to root for her when I don’t even know what her true role in this story is supposed to be? Last year, when I published my list of ten movie trends I don’t understand, I explained how adopting the ‘villains receiving the spotlight’ trend gives the audience mixed messages and makes villainous characters less straight-forward. Reflecting on that list and Toy Story 4, I wonder if how Gabby Gabby was written is the result of that trend?

4. ‘Elizabeth’ is the Most Overused Name in Historical Fiction/Period Drama Movies and TV Shows

In 2019, I created a list of the top ten worst clichés from Hallmark movies. The clichés featured in that list were those that were poorly or overly used. If I created a similar list about the worst clichés from historical fiction/period drama movies, characters named ‘Elizabeth’ would be near the top of the list. Personally, I find it hard to believe directors, producers, and screenwriters would keep selecting ‘Elizabeth’ despite having thousands of names at their disposal. The name, ‘Elizabeth’, keeps finding its way into scripts no matter the story’s time period. Some examples include Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, any version of Pride and Prejudice, and When Calls the Heart’s Christmas/seasonal films. This specific cliché is also present among historical fiction/period drama tv shows, ranging from Emily of New Moon to The Waltons. I don’t know when the cliché started being utilized or if it will ever stop. But if someone is considering creating a historical fiction/period drama movie or tv show, I hope they think outside the box when it’s time to name their characters.

3. I Don’t Find National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Funny

I’ve only seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation once. Though it’s been years since I’ve seen it, I didn’t find it funny. I don’t remember laughing at any joke. Even when I see clips of the movie in other pieces of media, it doesn’t get a reaction out of me. I’m aware how comedy, as well as film itself, is subjective. But I just don’t understand the hype around National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. If I revisited the movie, maybe I’d change my mind on it. For now, though, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is not a must-watch title for me this Christmas season.

2. Bucky Barnes Should Have Received His Own Superhero Title Instead of Becoming the Next Captain America

Around the time Avengers: Infinity War was released, I was one of those fans who wanted to see Bucky Barnes become the next Captain America. I even expressed this wish in my very first movie blogger’s Christmas wish-list. But looking back almost ten years since Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame premiered, I believe instead of becoming the next Captain America, Bucky should have received his own superhero title. As he grew into it over time, Bucky could have shaped this brand-new title to become truly his. So, when people think of that specific title, they’ll think of Bucky and vice versa. There would be no preconceived ideas or expectations due to the lack of comparisons to measure Bucky to. With his own superhero title, he could have received official Avenger status as well, which is why I wanted Bucky to become the next Captain America in the first place. I know he took up Captain America’s shield in Marvel’s comics. However, Bucky adopting his own, unique superhero identity would have added a fascinating chapter to Phases 4 and 5.

1. The Breakfast Club and Clue are Two of the Most Overrated Movies of the 1980s

It’s been years since I’ve seen The Breakfast Club or Clue. But from what I remember, I wasn’t a fan of either title. The Breakfast Club contained way too much swearing for my liking and I found its story too simplistic. When it came to Allison Reynolds’ reason for being in detention, the script was building up to what ended up being an underwhelming revelation. Meanwhile, in Clue, I laughed at only one joke throughout the entire film. The movie prioritized showing the characters running around and yelling/screaming at each other, which I find less hilarious and more headache-inducing. Having multiple endings based on when and where someone saw the film might work at the movie theater. Including all three endings in Clue, however, not only felt overwhelming, it also felt like the movie’s creative team couldn’t decide which ending best fit their script, leaving that ultimate decision to the audience. Perhaps if I revisited The Breakfast Club or Clue, my opinion on these titles might change. As of the publication of this list, though, I find Clue and The Breakfast Club overrated.

Avengers: Endgame Bucky Barnes poster created by The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Studios. © Disney•Pixar. All rights reserved. Marvel and Avengers Characters: ©2017 Marvel. Image found at https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/mcu-heroes-unveil-avengers-endgame-character-posters

What are your thoughts on my movie “hot takes”? Do you have a film related “hot take” you’d like to share? Please tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen