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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 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.

Ep714: Hammerland: DRACULA A.D. 1972

Ep714: Hammerland: DRACULA A.D. 1972

Break out the love beads and garlic!

Today, Ian and Aaron take a trippy trip through "Hammerland" with a look at Alan Gibson's Dracula A.D. 1972!

In an effort to bring Dracula out of the dusty period-piece past and into "modern" times, Hammer Films transports Christopher Lee's vicious vamp to swingin' London where he faces off against a descendent of Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) and his hippie granddaughter, Jessica (Stephanie Beacham).

The result is a mixed bag among fans, but Ian and Dr. AC make a strong case for why this entry is not only worthwhile but also one of the series' most sophisticated (and, admittedly, goofy).

Plus: The guys tease the upcoming return of "Scare-a-Thon"!

Starting this Friday, we'll be doing weekly livestreams in support of Albany Park Theatre. In addition to live versions of "Hammerland" and "Accademia Giallo", you'll be able to join ghoul-tastic conversations about a wide range of horror classics!

Show Links:

Ep715: Chorus Correction: An Interview with THE JESUS MUSIC Co-directors Andrew and Jon Erwin

Ep715: Chorus Correction: An Interview with THE JESUS MUSIC Co-directors Andrew and Jon Erwin

Ep713: Awfully Great: COOL AS ICE

Ep713: Awfully Great: COOL AS ICE