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.

Ep54: The Amazingly Divisive Spider-Man / Love That Chicken!

This week, we usher in Summer 2014 with a round table discussion of The Amazing Spider-Man 2! It's an epic battle of yawns versus enthusiasm, as Ian, Matt, and Graham debate whether or not Marc Webb's reboot sequel brings anything new--or even worthwhile--to the table. At least, we think that's what they're talking about; it's hard to hear anything over their Popeye's Chicken lunch!

Also, Ian stumps relentlessly for the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival; badgers listeners into voting for Hidden Horror in this year's Rondo Awards; and competes with himself by plugging The Arts Section on WDCB radio (90.9fm Chicago)! Join us in untangling this sticky web of aural shenanigans!

Ep55: Your Friends and NEIGHBORS

Ep53: 2014 Summer Movie Preview (Part 2)