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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.

A CHRISTMAS STORY 30th Anniversary Screening!

Hey, Everyone! On Wednesday, December 4th at 7:30pm,* the Studio Movie Grill in Wheaton, IL will present a special 30th anniversary screening of A Christmas Story

As if seeing Bob Clark's holiday classic on the big screen for only a dollar isn't outrageously cool enough, author Caseen Gaines will be in attendance, signing copies of his brand-new book, A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic. Oh, and he'll be joined by Ian Petrella, who played "Little Brother Randy" in the film!

As an added bonus, Gaines and Petrella will lead a prizes-packed audience trivia contest immediately following the show!

Be sure to visit the Studio Movie Grill's Web site for tickets and additional information.

It's guaranteed to be a night so exciting, you won't be able to put your arms down!

*As of this writing, the autograph signing is scheduled to start at approximately 6:30pm.

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