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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.

Ep1075: Heart Eyes (2025) - Live Round Table Review

Ep1075: Heart Eyes (2025) - Live Round Table Review

Earth's Mightiest Critics are in love with love--and with creatively cut-up body parts (only in the movies, ya freaks)!

This week's romantic round table review centers on Heart Eyes, Josh Ruben's holiday-themed horror movie about...well, a serial killer whose mask has glowing heart eyes on it! Join us for a sweet and spoilerific dissection of the latest big-screen slasher!

We also talk spoilers and take your questions, comments, and SuperChats!

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Ep1076: There's No Stalgia Like Nostalgia: I Like Movies (2022)

Ep1076: There's No Stalgia Like Nostalgia: I Like Movies (2022)

Ep1074: IndieSeen: Bittersweet (2025) - Movie Review

Ep1074: IndieSeen: Bittersweet (2025) - Movie Review