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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.

Ep1062: If You Like (or Loathe) La La Land (2016), You'll Love The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

Ep1062: If You Like (or Loathe) La La Land (2016), You'll Love The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

It's a new year, and Kicking the Seat resolves to change your tune!

La La Land has its fans, but Damien Chazelle's 2016 Oscar also-ran has been widely dismissed for being syrupy, derivative Hollywood nonsense. In today's episode, Ian and Jeff talk about why the film deserves a second look, especially in light of a recent 4K restoration of Jacques Demy's 1964 Palme d'Or-winning musical masterpiece, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Both movies center on young lovers with big dreams who profess their frustrations and fantasies through song. And both take a darker, decidedly non-traditional approach to resolving their characters' conflicts--despite the candy-dipped, whimsical surroundings.

So put on some jazz, pour a steely Chardonnay, and raise a glass to the ones who dream...of turning more people on to these daring and delightful movies!

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Ep1063: Se7en at Thirty -- Live Round Table Review

Ep1063: Se7en at Thirty -- Live Round Table Review

Ep1061: Accademia Giallo CREDITO EXTRA: The Shiver Screen! January Giallo Returns to The Music Box

Ep1061: Accademia Giallo CREDITO EXTRA: The Shiver Screen! January Giallo Returns to The Music Box