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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.

Ep465: We Do Not See Eye to Eye

Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast wraps up its coverage of the 55th Chicago International Film Festival with Pat “The Über Critic” McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com! First, Ian and Pat interview filmmaker Tom Harper, whose new Amazon Studios movie The Aeronauts opens in limited release this December.

The guys are blown away by Harper's recounting of how he and his production team accomplished seemingly impossible practical effects in telling the story of an 1862 hot air balloon expedition that changed the way we look at weather. Also, if you've ever wanted to know what it's like to meet the Queen, don't miss the end of our conversation!

Next up is a look at Taika Waititi's Holocaust satire, JoJo Rabbit, which is now in theatres. This is a breezy, informative, and non-spoilery look at a film that has critics divided (including your hosts)!

Episode 465 is ascendant!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 1:48

The Aeronauts Trailer: 1:48 - 4:01

The Aeronauts Interview with Tom Harper: 4:01 - 22:58

Intro Ct'd: 22:58 - 25:04

JoJo Rabbit Trailer: 25:04 - 27:22

JoJo Rabbit Discussion: 27:22 - 50:40

Outro Music: 50:40 - 50:56

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Ep466: Late Screening: Brains and Heart

Ep464: French Quarter-Century