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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.

Ep1084: Novocaine (2025) - Live Round Table Review

Ep1084: Novocaine (2025) - Live Round Table Review

Earth's Mightiest Critics get deep in their feels with Novocaine!

Jack Quaid stars as Nate, an assistant credit union manager with a rare medical condition that prevents him from feeling pain. He's geeky, isolated, and extremely cautious--until one day he goes on a date with free-spirited co-worker Sherry (Amber Midthunder). Their connection is instant; their romance undeniable. Unfortunately, the next day is Christmas Eve, and a gang of gun-toting Santa suit-wearing criminals busts in and takes Sherry hostage. Nate throws caution to the wind, embarking on a citywide chase to stop the bad guys and save the girl.

The trailers make Novocaine look like a fun but predictable action comedy, but there's a lot more going on here than bloody gags and quips.

Join us for a spoilerific look at one of the best, most surprising films of the year so far! We also answer your questions, comments, and SuperChats!

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Ep1085: Escape from Hammerland: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1962)

Ep1085: Escape from Hammerland: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1962)

Ep1083: Mickey 17 (2025) - Live Roundtable Review

Ep1083: Mickey 17 (2025) - Live Roundtable Review