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.

Ep1195: No Other Choice (2025) - Live Roundtable Review

Ep1195: No Other Choice (2025) - Live Roundtable Review

Earth's Mightiest Critics ring in the New Year with the escapism of economic uncertainty!

Park Chan-wook's latest film, No Other Choice centers on Man-su (Lee Byung-hun) who has been out of work for several years. In a desperate attempt to eliminate job market competition, he concocts a darkly brilliant plan. It's no secret that Ian is not the biggest Park fan (who else on planet Earth thinks the remake of Oldboy is better than the original?!).

The question, then, is can this critically acclaimed new slice of dramatic social commentary--and the rest of the EMC's very best arguments--turn things around?

Join us as we seek truth, gainful employment, and airtight alibis. We'll also take your questions, comments, and SuperChats!

Support Kicking the Seat on Patreon, subscribe to us on YouTube, and follow us at:

Show Links

Ep1196: IndieSeen: IndieSeen: The Forgotten Occupation w/ Alain Martin

Ep1196: IndieSeen: IndieSeen: The Forgotten Occupation w/ Alain Martin

Ep1194: Boogie Nights (1997) - Live Roundtable Review

Ep1194: Boogie Nights (1997) - Live Roundtable Review