For their 30th episode, 25YL film critics, gun-tottin' dads, and paper-grading school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan welcomed a new guest to the dais for the first of two episodes. Say hello to the enigmatic Byron Lafayette, a newer film staff writer from 25YL. At his request, the three dive into competing politics first in 1952's Gary Cooper classic High Noon! We've got extra stoicism for you listeners! Next week, John Wayne claps back with The Searchers.
Read MoreFor our 29th episode, 25YL film critics, faith-challenged dads, and rocksteady school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan cap off a guest host double Phoenix-based film critic and podcaster Ben Cahlamer. Last episode, the trio went around virtual table on Paul Schrader's "The Card Counter." Possibly challenging it as the better film is Schrader's previous film and Ethan Hawke masterpiece "First Reformed." Pass the holy water. This one gets spiritual.
Read MoreRecently, I had the pleasure of joining Kevin McLenithan of the long-running "Seeing and Believing Podcast,” part of the Christ and Pop Culture site and podcast network as one of a series of interim hosts. Kevin and I are both members of Chicago Indie Critics and his faith-flavored perspective has always been topical, honest, and outstanding. His regular co-host Wade Bearden has retired from the show for other ventures and this new episode talking about the new James Bond movie No Time to Die was Kevin’s first run on “Seeing and Believing” leading the ship. I was honored to talk about a stellar movie and temporarily fill some big shows.
Read MoreFor our 28th episode, 25YL film critics, strong dads, and inventive school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan welcomed become prior guest and Phoenix-based film critic Ben Cahlamer for a twin bill of Paul Schrader films. Ben joins Will for a debate on Schrader's new film and Oscar Isaac vehicle "The Card Counter." Having not seen the movie, Don puts on the striped shirt as the referee for this one. Ben, as always, brings his insightful color that elevates this show.
Read MoreFor our 27th episode, 25YL film critics, good-eating dads, and zany school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan prepare for the timely release of Venom: Let There Be Carnage with a look back at the first Venom film from 2018. Will and Don are joined by special guest and comic book nut Rachel S. to talk about symbiotes and idiots. Will had never seen this movie and got to be the one surprised.
Read MoreFor our 25th episode and the final fourth bit of their epic in-person series, 25YL film critics, scruffy dads, and sarcastic school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan conclude their united recording meeting for the second edition of a new segment style. Targeting some deep cut discussion on the resumes and legacies of actors and actresses, our hosts discuss one more Chicago-born actor: Robin Williams! They work around the easy and obvious to peer further down the late and beloved gentleman's sterling resume.
Read MoreFor our 26th episode, 25YL film critics, ill-informed dads, and svelte school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan team up on another "Deep Cut" discussion on the legacy of another celebrated performer. Suggested by Will Johnson, the duo compared their love/hate takes and viewing recommendations for the unlikely chameleon that has become Woody Harrelson, one of the hardest working actors of this generation. They work around the easy and obvious to peer further down the career resume.
Read MoreFor our 25th episode and the final fourth bit of their epic in-person series, 25YL film critics, scruffy dads, and sarcastic school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan conclude their united recording meeting for the second edition of a new segment style. Targeting some deep cut discussion on the resumes and legacies of actors and actresses, our hosts discuss one more Chicago-born actor: Robin Williams! They work around the easy and obvious to peer further down the late and beloved gentleman's sterling resume.
Read MoreMY 75TH APPEARANCE ON KICKING THE SEAT! Not that it reached a Keyser Soze level, but episode 6 of rhe animated What If…? series gave us a taste of what would happen in a “bad guy wins” scenario. Michael B. Jordan was featured heavily in a reality where he rescues Tony Stark before he ever becomes Iron Man and uses his new platform as a long game to infiltrate Wakanda. A selection of “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” on the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel talked it all over. Enjoy Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat, myself, Mike Crowley of You’ll Probably Agree, and Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions pledging our allegiances .
Read MoreFor our 24th episode and the third of our epic in-person series, 25YL film critics, finger-pointing dads, and dutiful school teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan continue their shared mic time for a new and different segment offering. Trimming some length yet widening the scope, our hosts will begin targeting some deep cut discussions on the resumes and legacies of actors and actresses. With Will visiting Chicago, they start this new feature with the Chicago-born Harrison Ford. They look past the obvious Indy and Han highlights and peer further down the resume.
Read MoreA new Marvel movie, and a very special one at that, summons “Earth’s Mightiest Critics” on Ian Simmons’s Kicking the Seat roundtable. The runaway success that is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has inspired audiences instantly. It sure hit strong with us film critics too, but, just not all of us. Enjoy Ian, myself, Annie Banks of Chuck Load of Comics, David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel, Mike Crowley of You’ll Probably Agree, and Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions to hear praises and one big strong dissenting opinion. Come to the show, but don’t listen to that guy. Enjoy the movie!
Read MoreWhat kind of thing can swerve superheroes? Zombies! 2009 called and they want their gimmick back. That said, superpowered zombies is a plenty interesting idea. Leave it to the animated What If…? to try it on for size with its fifth episode. The roundtable of assembled critics on the the Kicking the Seat YouTube channel came away split on our takes of approval or disapproval. Watch and listen to Ian Simmons of the Kicking the Seat, myself, Annie Banks of Chuck Load of Comics, David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel, Mike Crowley of You’ll Probably Agree, and Mark Krawczyk of Special Mark Productions show you who’s who with that division.
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