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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.

Ep83: Left, Right, and SNIPER!

In episode 83, The KtS Podcast takes aim at the controversies surrounding Clint Eastwood's American Sniper. Ian, Matt, and Graham talk about their unexpected reactions to the film; how it stacks up to other modern-warfare pictures; and whether its lack of a coherent political philosophy is a stroke of meta-genius or the mark of unsure footing.

Also, Ian plugs a couple of really cool events taking place next week: First up, David J. Fowlie of Keeping It Reel and the Chicago Film Critics Association will host screenings of The Godfather at Classic Cinemas Elk Grove on Tuesday, February 10th at 1pm and 7pm. Tickets are only $5, and include a Q&A with David after the show!

Lastly, scrap your Valentine's Day plans! On Saturday, February 14th, Community Christian Church in Naperville, IL will host actor Cary Elwes for a signing of his book, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride--as well as a screening of Rob Reiner's comic-fantasy classic. Each ticket includes one copy of the book, plus two admissions to the event, and can be purchased from Anderson's Bookshop!

Ep84: 50 Shades of 50 SHADES OF GREY

Ep82: IRVINE WELSH and THE SEX LIVES OF SIAMESE TWINS