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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 Dinner Party

Hey, Gang! Just wanted to pop in with a quick pic from the much-anticipated Crypticon Minneapolis celebrity dinner, sponsored by Chateau Grrr. The evening was a smashing success, with great food, awesome guests, and free-flowing conversations that won't soon be forgotten.

This photo was taken by Emily Rose, and features everybody's "scary face" poses. The celebrities sat in the first row and include (from left): Bill Moseley (The Devil's Rejects), Margot Kidder (Superman), Ricou Browning (The Creature from the Black Lagoon), TNA Wrestling champion ODB (aka, Jessie), and Derek Maki (Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha Hood). Derek attended the dinner and convention as Margot's representation--and entertained several guests with pocket illusions; during the con, Margot became fascinated with ODB's wrestling videos and invited her to dinner. Suffice it to say, this was likely the weirdest, coolest bunch of folks to ever dine at the Minneapolis Sheraton!

Note: Speaking of Chateau Grrr, check out my just-posted interview with screenwriter Todd Farmer!

Kicking the Seat's Top Ten Films of 2009