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.

Ep427: Paws for Effect

Today, The Kicking the Seat Podcast welcomes back Jon Espino of HollywoodChicago.com and The Young Folks to talk about Disney's latest live-action (sorry, "photo-realistic") remake of a beloved 2D classic. Jon Favreau's The Lion King is in theatres now, and has drawn a concerning amount of ire from critics. Well, these two reviewers are here to offer some positivity (as well as some jabs) for this nearly-shot-for-shot re-telling.

Also, Ian talks about Lynn Shelton's Sword of Trust, starring Marc Maron, which opens today at the Music Box Theatre.

And...Tonight's the night! Join Ian at Facets Cinematheque for the Chicago premiere of Werewolf Ninja Philosopher, where he'll introduce the 7pm screening and conduct a Q&A with writer/director Sujewa Ekanayake and star Art Shrian Tiwari!

You ain't never had a friend like Episode 427!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 4:19

The Lion King Trailer: 4:19 - 6:06

The Lion King Discussion: 6:06 - 49:22

Outro Music: 49:22 - 49:38

Keep up with the latest seat-kicking goodness by following, liking, rating, and subscribing to us on TwitterFacebookYouTubeInstagramiTunesStitcher!

Ep428: Philosophy of the Werewolf Ninja

Ep426: INTO THE ASHES with Aaron Harvey and Robert Taylor!