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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.

Ep684: Darker Hughes: CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Movie and Blu-ray Review w/ Erik Childress

Ep684: Darker Hughes: CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Movie and Blu-ray Review w/ Erik Childress

Ian Simmons

Ian welcomes back Erik Childress of the Movie Madness Podcast for a look at Career Opportunities, which turns 30 this year.

The comedy stars Frank Whaley as Jim Dodge, an aimless small-town liar who lands a third-shift job at Target. When he's locked inside with the girl of his dreams (Josie, played by Jennifer Connelly), heartfelt hijinks ensue.

Then murderers show up...

This lesser-known and underappreciated John Hughes comedy is definitely a mixed bag, and Ian and Erik tackle it head-on. From a choppy final cut that prompted Hughes to (unsuccessfully) request that his name be removed from the picture; to a marketing strategy that undercut Connelly's character in favor of sex appeal; and a tone that wavered between romantic comedy, abuse drama, and crime caper, the guys take an unflinching look at the good, the bad, and the bizarre.

Also, Erik talks about recording his first official audio commentary for Kino Lorber's brand-new Career Opportunities Blu-ray!

Show Links:

Ep685: There's No Stalgia Like Nostalgia: SUMMER OF '42

Ep685: There's No Stalgia Like Nostalgia: SUMMER OF '42
Ep683: Hammerland: DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE

Ep683: Hammerland: DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE