“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” -Tina Fey, Bossypants

Zianna: Founder, creator, Bossypants extraordinaire

I always wanted to be the brave kid that would go down the tallest waterslide, rather than being the shallow end sunbather that came so naturally. So I’d haul my damp ass up 12 flights of stairs, hyping all my friends up along the way. Then I’d get to the top and one by one watch all of my friends conquer their fears, and then inevitably I’d do the walk of shame, alone, down 12 flights of stairs after chickening out. I used to think this made me a chicken. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized something important. I’m not a chicken, I just don’t f*cking like tall waterslides! And that’s okay, they’re not for everyone!

So, what does this have to do with movies? Great question! I think as women (and more generally, as humans) we spend way too much time falsely labeling ourselves. Based on the experience of not being able to conquer the tall waterslide, I spent much of my life thinking that I’m not brave. It took many years before I realized that bravery can be manifested in a variety of circumstances, many of which do not involve heights or the near-certain possibility of a sunburn. Whether you’re a waterslide-conqueror, or you just got a lot of cardio at the waterpark, we all have a voice and we all deserve to have our opinions heard! Speaking of being heard- did you know that there are two male film critics for every female critic? It’s time for us to step up ladies and be brave and join the conversation! So whether you’re a hardcore film buff, or a passionate romcom binger, anyone can be a basic cinephile.

This basic cinephile has always been a movie lover, and I recently became a member of the Nevada Film Critics Society. I am most passionate about quotable comedies, true crime documentaries, and animated kid’s movies. What can I say? Variety is the spice of life. My favorite movie of all time is Little Miss Sunshine. When I’m not watching movies you can find me playing with my fur babies Harv the dog and Barb the cat (adopt don’t shop!), in a bar watching sports (go Golden Knights, Seahawks, and Washington Huskies!), or spending money I don’t have to travel the world.

Wanna know more? Follow me on Instagram @ziannaweston

“The best advice my mother gave me was to ‘be a lady’. But I never really knew what that meant, and obviously didn’t take to it.” -Amy Schumer

edelia: contributor, LADY, KLUTZ

Hi! I am Edie, a licensed esthetician (shameless plug) and an amateur film reviewer, but to those who know me best, I am just Barb and Harv’s mom (cat and dog respectively) #adoptdontshop. I am just as passionate about award winning movies as I am with romcoms. In fact, I kind of love movies that absolutely suck. Seriously.  If every interaction makes you cringe- I have seen it. If the dialogue is lack luster- I. Have. Seen. It. If the plot is so predictable that you want to bash your head against the wall- I HAVE SEEN IT. I have an opinion on anything and everything, and so should you! Love what you love, and hate what you hate. Take the shame out of your movie watching and become your very own Basic Cinephile.

I was going to do a bit about my “likes” and “dislikes”, but in my conversation with the above ‘Bossypants’, I realized that I am all over the place. Give me Young Adult Netflix, Period Piece Drama, Binge Now Regret Later, or Nominated for Sound Editing; I AM SO IN!!!!!! I am excited for this journey, and the number of exclamation points I have used in this post should reflect that feeling! WELCOME ONE WELCOME ALL!! 

To follow my very interesting personal life go to @edelialorraine

And to learn how to make your skin flawless while binge watching tv/movies follow @esti_edelia

Cause who says that sitting in front of your tv can’t be beneficial? #selfcare am I right?!

Be social and join the conversation!

Follow us on Instagram @thebasiccinephile for condensed movie reviews, polls, and movie trailers.