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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.

Ep602: Reelpolitik: The Final Chapter

Ep602: Reelpolitik: The Final Chapter

Ian Simmons
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Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast concludes its year-long “Reelpolitik” project with a look at Steven Spielberg’s 2012 biopic, Lincoln! Daniel Day-Lewis stars as the embattled sixteenth President of the United States during the weeks preceding his second inauguration, in which he works to abolish slavery and end the Civil War.

The parallels to 2020 are numerous. Some are very surprising. Erik Childress of the Movie Madness Podcast joins Ian for a spoilerific exploration of performances, politics, and the “problematic”.

Also, Ian recommends the video version of his talk with Erik; reflects on a year of “Reelpolitik”; gives a few much-deserved colleague shout-outs; and offers some Election Day encouragement for those who need it!

Episode 602 is socially distanced but emotionally available!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 5:56

Lincoln Trailer: 5:56 - 8:07

Lincoln Discussion: 8:07 - 1:25:04

Outro Music: 1:25:04 - 1:25:19

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Ep603: The Last Ranch on the Left

Ep603: The Last Ranch on the Left
Ep601: Reelpolitik: Election of the Dead

Ep601: Reelpolitik: Election of the Dead