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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.

Hottest Day of the Year: DO THE RIGHT THING Review

Hottest Day of the Year: DO THE RIGHT THING Review

Ian Simmons

Ian, EMan, and David talk about Spike Lee's breakout hit, Do the Right Thing, in anticipation of his latest film, Da 5 Bloods, which hits Netflix on Friday. The 1989 drama about racial tensions boiling over in Bed-Stuy is eerily relevant today, and the guys look at how Lee uses stereotypes to elevate a conversation that America still struggles to have.

If you enjoy this content, please "like" and subscribe to the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel for more commentary and reviews--and leave a comment while you're there! Also, be sure to support the work of our incredibly talented and guests: Emmanuel Noisette at EMan's Movie Reviews and David Fowlie at Keeping it Reel.

And definitely check out EMan's "My Day with the POLICE" video, which we reference toward the end of our conversation.

FRIDAY THE 40TH Part 6: Jason Has Risen

FRIDAY THE 40TH Part 6: Jason Has Risen
FINDING COURAGE Interview w/ Director KAY RUBACEK

FINDING COURAGE Interview w/ Director KAY RUBACEK