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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 Noé, Rachel Brosnahan, Amy 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.

Ep552: Oldies with McDonald: Ritchie’s Riches

Ep552: Oldies with McDonald: Ritchie’s Riches

Ian Simmons

Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast concludes its “Michael Ritchie American Trilogy” with a look at the 1975 beauty-pageant satire, Smile! How does this dark comedy starring Bruce Dern and Barbara Feldon tie into The Candidate and The Bad News Bears? Listen in as the guys unpack it all and discover one of the great unofficial and under-appreciated movie triumvirates!

Also, Ian asks you to pardon our dust as the brand-new Kicking the Seat website takes shape!

Episode 552 likes to watch!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 3:10

Smile Trailer: 3:10 - 6:09

Smile Discussion: 6:09 - 1:05:03

Outro Music: 1:05:03 - 1:05:18

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Ep553: Reelpolitik: Red/Blue Blues

Ep553: Reelpolitik: Red/Blue Blues
Ep551: Accademia Giallo: Gripping VICE

Ep551: Accademia Giallo: Gripping VICE