Secular Cinephile - A humanist perspective of the reel world

Thinking Twice About “Eating Animals”

November 11, 2018 By Andrew Spitznas

Whether for environmental reasons or due to animal suffering, this documentary produced and narrated by Natalie Portman may challenge your dietary habits. Read more

“Free Solo” Is a Welcome Burst of Humanistic Uplift

November 4, 2018 By Andrew Spitznas

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The co-directors of “Meru” outdo themselves as they follow Alex Honnold in the first solo, rope-free climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan. Read more

The Republican Party Is Now America’s Largest Hate Group

October 28, 2018 By Andrew Spitznas

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Using the SPLC’s definition, the GOP meets enough of the wrong criteria to earn this terrible designation. Read more

“The Sisters Brothers” Is a Western As Strange As Its Title

October 21, 2018 By Andrew Spitznas

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John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix are the murderous bickering siblings, in Jacques Audiard’s grotesque yet oddly touching feature. Read more

“First Man” Tells a First-Rate Story

October 14, 2018 By Andrew Spitznas

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Damien Chazelle (director of “Whiplash” and “La La Land”) successfully transforms the epic tale of the first Moon landing into an intimate drama. Read more

“The Children Act”: When Is Religion Child Abuse?

September 30, 2018 By Andrew Spitznas

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This new film starring Emma Thompson thoughtfully probes this question. Read more

America’s Amoral, Incapacitated Putin Puppet: Three New Perspectives

September 23, 2018 By Andrew Spitznas

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Bob Woodward’s book, and new films from Michael Moore and Jack Bryan, flesh out what we already know about Trump, the America that spawned him, and the culpability of his followers. Read more