profile pic ian.jpg

Welcome to Kicking the Seat!

Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).

The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar NoéRachel BrosnahanAmy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.

The KtS Contest: The Legend of Hercules!

UPDATE: This contest has ended. Congratulations, Mark!

On January 10th, The Legend of Hercules kicks off the New Year with a cinematic adventure for the ages! To celebrate, Kicking the Seat has teamed up with Partnershub and Lionsgate/Summit to bring you the chance to win a theatrical poster signed by star Kellan Lutz!

In this epic origin story, Lutz (The Twilight Saga) stars as the mythical Greek hero -- the son of Zeus, a half-god, half-man blessed with extraordinary strength. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Through harrowing battles and gladiator-arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey to overthrow the King and restore peace to the land.

Check out the trailer:

For a chance to win this incredible prize, simply answer the following question in the Comments section:

What is your most anticipated film of 2014?

Yes, I want you to look into the future and tell me which movie has you itching with anticipation. I'll pick one entrant at random to receive this super-cool bit of signed promo art!

Entries must be received by 11:59pm on Friday, January 10th, 2014 (the same day Hercules opens nationwide and in 3D!).

In the meantime, check out the interactive The Legend of Hercules movie poster below: Move & click your mouse across the GIFs to control the scene and transport yourself right into the film!

Thanks, Everyone, and take care!

Eligibility: All prizes for the The Legend of Hercules Contest, the The Legend of Hercules trailer, and the The Legend of Hercules Blog App are provided courtesy of Lionsgate/Summit. Prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. boxes, please. Each household is only eligible to win one (1) The Legend of Hercules autographed poster via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Notification: Kicking the Seat will contact the contest winner within twelve hours of contest close. If no response is received within twenty-four hours, an alternate winner will be chosen. Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada only.

The KtS Contest: Cartoon Crush!

The KtS Contest: Blu-ray Movie Magic!