CrawlerChunky
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Nayan Gough
A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
obriensk
This movie feels like an art school film project that caught fire and ended up being something bigger than anyone expected. From the ludicrous commentary of the madman that is Kenny Shopsin, to the real, applicable life lessons throughout, this documentary style film should be viewed by anyone with a love for food, family and of course, restaurant culture. Within each scene, comment, incident, lies small truths and realities that we all face as humans in this society. Alongside the daily struggles of the family system, is the restaurant itself which is as eccentric and charismatic as the family that owns it... This movie represents the city of New York, the neighborhood, and ultimately the PEOPLE that make any community what it is... I try and show this film to as many people as I can because I know the rise of popularity in a cult classic is a slow one, but that's what this production is... a true cult classic.
eagerbuster9
From the opening scene I was hooked, it takes several moments to realize the shop is actually an eatery. Kenny is the larger than life proprietor of the eatery and his language is as colorful as the dishes he serves. The clientèle is from all walks of life, yet share a passion for Kenny's unique dishes. The overall feeling is that of an extended family, but do not be tempted to dine if you are a party any larger than four, because you will be asked to leave on no uncertain terms.At times you wonder at the cleanliness of the place as the kitchen appears to be a cluttered pigsty. Kenny retells the story of "waiter there is a bug in my soup," while joyfully killing flies with a plastic flyswatter. Kenny seems unapologetic of state of the kitchen and actually comments on his rigging of the refrigerator in order to keep it closed.The filmmaker created the documentary how he saw the scenes unfolding around him, nothing appears to be retouched. The camera bobs and sways with the movements of the filmmaker. At times his arm is part of the scene while he holds the microphone catching each of Kenny's words. Although the chief's dialog is punctuated with swearwords, one quickly realizes the philosophy that is Kenny. In fact, he uses this ability to win many arguments with his family. The film is a pleasure to watch and I highly recommend it.
PaulyC
Well, first off, I watched this because it deals with a restaurant in one of my favorite places, Greenwich Village, New York. Still the best place to bar hop, watch weirdo's and have a cheeseburger. I'm sorry to say I have never eaten at Shopsins, the topic of this fun little documentary. It's just a slice of life little movie about the struggles involved in running a successful restaurant. The topic is mainly how Kenny Shopsin, the eccentric owner, runs the place. Just the fact that many people believed that the, "Soup Nazi" of Seinfeld fame was based on him (although not true) should give you a small idea of what he's like. If you go into the place with a party of five (even if the place is empty) you will be immediately kicked out. The director, Matt Mahurin got the idea for the movie as a regular of the restaurant. To be honest, even with his strict ways and unusual rants, I found Kenny Shopsin to be a pretty decent guy. The documentary captures things at the right time. The place is going to shut down and relocated due to financial reasons and there is some emotion between him and his family, who happen to help him run the place. You may not learn a whole lot watching this but you will likely be entertained. In fact, I just might give the new location a visit when in New York, although I hear if you mention you're there because of the movie, you get kicked out so I may avoid a conversation with Kenny.
Bill
What a great idea-a documentary that just wants to entertain. Killing Flies is a restaurant-sized slice of life about Kenny Shopsin and his diner in Greenwich Village. The place is one of a kind and Shopsin's ad lib rants are as entertaining as any screenwriter could contrive. Watch this film and you will go out of your way to visit this restaurant when in New York, not just because of the eccentric owner, but because the food has the same eclectic appeal.Directed by Matt Mahurin, who got the idea as a regular Shopsin customer, Killing Flies is fun and captivating entertainment without the usual documentary pedagogy. (OK, I did learn a few things: You can put about anything into pancakes. And DON'T bring a party of five into Shopsin's!)
