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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.

Ep131: Capitalism: Civil War

The Kicking the Seat Podcast goes green this week, with a look at Jodie Foster's new finance-and-hostages drama Money Monster! Emmanuel Noisette of EMan's Movie Reviews* sat down with Ian after an advance screening to talk about the film. It's a fun, informative, and spoiler-y chat that covers expectations, genre conventions, race, and how Money Monster compares to other big films about money and entertainment, such as Network and The Big Short.

Also, Ian talks about the importance of double-checking recording equipment; reminds listeners that the Chicago Critics Film Festival will take over the Music Box this weekend; and offers a few additional thoughts on Captain America: Civil War.

And don't forget to follow the Kicking the Seat Podcast on TwitterFacebookiTunes, and Stitcher for all the hottest tips on where to invest your multiplex moolah this blockbuster season!

*Head on over to Eman's YouTube channel and subscribe to get succinct, spoiler-free (and the occasional, clearly-labeled spoilerific) reviews and reactions to the latest films! You can also follow him on Twitter and catch up with him on Facebook.

Ep132: Herman Yau's Ordinary Heart

Ep130: Not For Today, But For All Time