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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.

Ep588: TRIP Advisors (Part One)

Ep588: TRIP Advisors (Part One)

Ian Simmons
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Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast and Keeping it Reel's David Fowlie enjoy a leisurely tour of Europe’s finest fine-dining establishments and quaint hotels (virtually, anyway) with a look at Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip and The Trip to Italy. The first of a two-part review of all four Trip films, this heartfelt and spoilerific conversation delves into why a series about two British actors bonding and bickering over week-long excursions resonates so deeply with a couple of middle-aged film critics.

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are positively electric, playing fictitious versions of themselves as they confront family drama, career crossroads, and the kind of existential dread that can only be properly addressed through one-upmanship of Michael Caine impressions.

Also, David talks about his journey to the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which has gone virtual this year, and lets you know how you can help him raise money and awareness for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

Lastly, Ian invites you to check out his YouTube-exclusive interview with director Laura Gabbert, whose new delectable new documentary, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, is now available On Demand, courtesy of IFC Films!

Episode 588 was only fifteen years old!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 4:25

The Trip Trailer: 4:25 - 6:34

The Trip / The Trip to Italy Discussion: 6:34- 1:02:52

David’s Journey to the 2020 Virtual Chicago Marathon: 1:02:52 - 1:16:06

Outro Music: 1:16:06 - 1::16:22

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Ep589: Late Screening: Commercial for Charisma

Ep589: Late Screening: Commercial for Charisma
Ep587: Stunt and Stunt Abilities

Ep587: Stunt and Stunt Abilities