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 Noé, Rachel Brosnahan, Amy 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.

Send Me to the Movies! Part 2

Ian Simmons

Like a beaten dog that still licks its owner's hand, I'm back to ask your help in deciding what movie to see this weekend!

Yep, Kicking the Seat has launched a new poll that puts you in control of my Friday moviegoing fate!

Will I discover if the odds of a successful cancer comedy are truly 50/50?

Will Anna Faris give me the cold shoulder when you dare me to ask, "What's Your Number"?

Or would you have me do an accident report on the Daniel Craig vehicle that looks nothing like The Shining, Dream House?

Whichever film has the most votes by 11:59pm on 9/29 (Thursday night) wins.

Now, get to it:

Send Me to the Movies!

Update: This poll is now closed.

The Thomas Jane Affair, Part Two

Don't Be Absent for "Absentia"!