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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.

Addition and EXTRACTION (Spoiler Review)

Addition and EXTRACTION (Spoiler Review)

Ian Simmons

Under cover of night, Ian, Don, and EMan do some heavy recon on Netflix's newest action-thriller, Extraction! Chris Hemsworth stars as a mercenary caught between rival crime lords, charged with delivering a teen hostage to safety amidst a country on lock-down. Despite an utter lack of super-powered characters, this Bangladesh-set shoot-'em-up features several Marvel Studios alum, including Hemsworth, co-writer Joe Russo, and stunt coordinator-turned-first-time-feature director Sam Hargrave.

The guys break down the good, the bad, and the unnecessary with a spoilerific talk that encompasses casting, surprisingly grand story themes, and a centerpiece "single-take" chase scene that will re-ignite your belief in movie magic.

Extraction is now streaming on Netflix.

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The Slowdown: Cold Turkey

The Slowdown: Cold Turkey
FRIDAY THE 40TH Part 4: Get Off My Campground!

FRIDAY THE 40TH Part 4: Get Off My Campground!