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.

Don't Read the Comments! 9/16/22 (RRR Special Edition!)

Don't Read the Comments! 9/16/22 (RRR Special Edition!)

Our RRR livestream was such a rousing success that we're dedicating a whole viewer-mail show to addressing your feedback!

With more than 10 thousand views and over 50 comments, Earth's Mightiest Critics' round table review of SS Rajamouli's epic historical fantasy is Kicking the Seat's most-viewed livestream yet. In this special episode, Ian marvels at elaborate allegory analysis; defends Kicking the Seat's continued existence; and makes mental notes of the dozens of other films recommended by you!

Plus: Stay tuned to the very end to learn about the show's big plan for continued Indian film coverage--and how you can be a part of it!

Show Links:

Ep804: Late Screening: BOOGIE NIGHTS - 25th Anniversary Review

Ep804: Late Screening: BOOGIE NIGHTS - 25th Anniversary Review

Ep803: PINOCCHIO (2022) - Round Table Review

Ep803: PINOCCHIO (2022) - Round Table Review