Secular Cinephile - A humanist perspective of the reel world

“AKA Jane Roe”: Will the Real Norma McCorvey Please Stand Up?

May 24, 2020 By Andrew Spitznas

This biography of the “Roe v. Wade” plaintiff will hold your interest, but you’ll want to wash off the ickiness after 80 minutes in such unsavory company. Read more

“Young Ahmed”: On the Knife’s Edge of Violent Fundamentalism

May 23, 2020 By Andrew Spitznas

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Be sure to see this latest humanist masterwork by Belgian directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. Read more

“A White, White Day” and the Madness of Grief

May 17, 2020 By Andrew Spitznas

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Iceland’s submission for the 2020 Academy Awards kept me off-balance, visually and narratively. Read more

“Driveways”: Small Kindnesses, Big Difference

May 15, 2020 By Andrew Spitznas

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This modest gem is a worthy showcase for the late Brian Dennehy’s humble talent. Read more

“Rewind” Courageously Stares Down Childhood Trauma

May 10, 2020 By Andrew Spitznas

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This autobiographical documentary – the director’s first – is nothing short of astonishing. Read more

Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” Is a Welcome Infusion of Goodness, Hope, and Laughter

May 9, 2020 By Andrew Spitznas

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It may not dig as deeply as one might wish, but the less-than-enthralling premise of following the former First Lady on her book tour is more joyous than it has a right to be. Read more

“Circus of Books”: Even the Owner of an Iconic Gay Porn Shop Battled Her Own Homophobia

May 2, 2020 By Andrew Spitznas

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This video scrapbook of the couple who owned an iconic LA porn shop becomes most involving when it settles down as a story of overcoming religion-based homophobia. Read more