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.

Ep638: Spain's World: An Interview with BAD ATTITUDE Director Susan Stern

Ep638: Spain's World: An Interview with BAD ATTITUDE Director Susan Stern

Ian talks with director Susan Stern about her wonderful new documentary, Bad Attitude: The Art of Spain Rodriguez.

The wife of the late underground comics artist has created a staggering tribute to a controversial creator whose views on feminism, race, and creeping authoritarianism were as challenging as his drawings were detailed.

Stern talks about the impetus for the film; working with her daughter to create a touching animated sequence about the artist's passing, and how Spain's lifelong rebelliousness affected his work and relationships. She also shares her unconventional dream for expanding the film's reach.

Now through February 25th, 2021 you can buy a virtual ticket and stream Bad Attitude as part of the Slamdance Film Festival.

Show Links:

Ep639: Hammerland: HORROR OF DRACULA and THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN

Ep639: Hammerland: HORROR OF DRACULA and THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN

Ep637: The Slowdown: Puppet Show and ALPHAVILLE

Ep637: The Slowdown: Puppet Show and ALPHAVILLE