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.

Ep735: THE POWER OF THE DOG (2021) - Movie Review

Ep735: THE POWER OF THE DOG (2021) - Movie Review

Ian didn't want to talk about The Power of the Dog, but David enticed him with some yummy treats--so here we are!

Jane Campion's awards season darling centers on a Montana rancher's tumultuous relationship with his brother's new wife and stepson, and the secret that's torn at him his entire life.

Sounds thrilling, right?

Not even close. From Benedict Cumberbatch's utterly alien performance; to borderline-offensive gay stereotypes; to an ending so obvious it would've been right at home on Blue's Clues, the guys dig into this underwhelming, overhyped Oscar bait, which often feels about thirty years past due.

Also, Ian and David question Netflix's overzealousness in promoting the film to critics!

Show Links:

Ep736: Page2Screen: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

Ep736: Page2Screen: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

Ep734: Hammerland: THE LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES (1974)

Ep734: Hammerland: THE LEGEND OF THE 7 GOLDEN VAMPIRES (1974)