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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 Noé, Rachel Brosnahan, Amy 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.

Ep1208: Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts (2026) - Movie Review

Ep1208: Oscar-Nominated Animated Shorts (2026) - Movie Review

Ian Simmons

Ian and Jeff recently caught up with the five Oscar nominees Best Animated Short Film, which they were fortunate enough to enjoy on the big screen.

In today's short(ish) review, the guys look at the unusually strong crop of 2026 contenders and pick their favorites! Jeff also offers a brief overview of the Live-action Shorts, and talks about why he doesn't think they measure up to their cartoon counterparts!

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Ep1209: Castle Freaks: House on Haunted Hill (1959) - Movie Review

Ep1209: Castle Freaks: House on Haunted Hill (1959) - Movie Review
Ep1206: Ben-Hur (1959) - Live Roundtable Review

Ep1206: Ben-Hur (1959) - Live Roundtable Review