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.
12 Reviews
"Don't be nice to people--it's a big mistake"
planktonrules16 August 2008
This was a rather enjoyable film about a New York institution, a hole in the wall restaurant named "Shopsins". What makes this very mundane topic interesting is the owner and chef, Kenny Shopsin. Kenny is a man that is hard to describe without using expletives, as he's one of the nastiest and crustiest men I've even seen on film--and yet his customers adore him and his place. I guess it's a New York thing, as he often heaps abuse and invectives on people--many times, it seems, just because he likes being a jerk. Oddly, despite being a rather horrible person who throws out customers as often as the Yankees used to throw out managers, he's got some interesting and perhaps endearing qualities. First, while he talks like a sailor, he's no dummy--you can hear some pearls of wisdom buried between filthy comments. My favorite, though not especially deep or true is listed above in the summary! Second, he is truly an amazing chef who has concocted hundreds of unique dishes. Third, and I have no idea how, despite being a critical and horrible person, he's got a family that loves him, puts up with him and is loyal. I assume he's either got them drugged or has some voodoo spell to keep them in line!
The documentary IS Kenny. Seeing him in action may at times be repellent but it certainly never is dull! So I recommend you definitely watch this odd little confection. Now would I recommend you eat at his restaurant? Maybe not, as his favorite thing to do on the job is to smash flies with his swatter (hence the title of the film) and a place with that many dead flies in the kitchen scares me! Although, next time I'm in New York and I want some verbal abuse, perhaps I'll stop in with four of my friends for a bite or just to have a cup of coffee and make a phone call.
By the way, this is one of the only films I have ever seen that is rated R simply because of very, very harsh language. There is no violence or nudity--just a constant stream of cursing from this world champion misanthrope.
The documentary IS Kenny. Seeing him in action may at times be repellent but it certainly never is dull! So I recommend you definitely watch this odd little confection. Now would I recommend you eat at his restaurant? Maybe not, as his favorite thing to do on the job is to smash flies with his swatter (hence the title of the film) and a place with that many dead flies in the kitchen scares me! Although, next time I'm in New York and I want some verbal abuse, perhaps I'll stop in with four of my friends for a bite or just to have a cup of coffee and make a phone call.
By the way, this is one of the only films I have ever seen that is rated R simply because of very, very harsh language. There is no violence or nudity--just a constant stream of cursing from this world champion misanthrope.
A Bully Brings Nothing to the Table
tillzen12 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Growing up in NYC one meets a lot of Kenny's.Burnt out damaged toxic bullies who could only exist here or in Paris, where idiots put up with their crap."Shopsins" was a potheads' idea of heaven as the food was huge if often uneven. Seeing the pigsty of a kitchen in this film I have no doubt cannabis or a head injury were somehow involved. Kenny's philosophy is equally messy as his self-hatred and meanness to his family are just plain awful. The film is GREAT but only as a car accident one can not take their eyes off of. Watching it I was reminded of reason 127 why I prefer my West Texas home to NYC ... nobody here is like Kenny! Nobody here would put up with such misanthropic sub-humanism in exchange for a meal. A bully with nothing to bring to the table though on film you can meet him without having to smell him.
Liked the Movie, but I'd Never Eat There
weasl-729-31068223 September 2014
It's OK for private business owners to have rules, but it's not OK to be unreasonable about their enforcement. So, he has a rule no parties over 4 people, fine. But when a party of 5, 6, 7-8 politely agrees to split in half, kicking them out is unacceptable. Especially when foul language, totally unprovoked, is involved.
As other reviewers have said, this is a nice slice of life in our largest and meanest city. I love food, and good restaurants. I totally support mom and pop's and spurn chains whenever I can. Usually the quality is much higher, because mom and pop's aren't being driven by Wall Street investors looking for the max return on investment at all costs to the consumer. The M&P's are actually run by real humans who, of course, need to make a profit and living, like the rest of us, but *may* still have some pride (and some shame) in what they are doing. Usually a much better bet than the investor backed chains.
I found it a very entertaining little documentary, and I wish the family the best, but it is no accident that the YouTube page I found it on also has many links that debate the difference between psychopath/sociopath, and some serial killer docs as well.
New York's "friendly" neighborhood restaurant proprietor has a marked mental illness. Mostly I feel sorry for him, his family and his masochistic patrons.
Don't believe me? Look up reviews on Yelp.
As other reviewers have said, this is a nice slice of life in our largest and meanest city. I love food, and good restaurants. I totally support mom and pop's and spurn chains whenever I can. Usually the quality is much higher, because mom and pop's aren't being driven by Wall Street investors looking for the max return on investment at all costs to the consumer. The M&P's are actually run by real humans who, of course, need to make a profit and living, like the rest of us, but *may* still have some pride (and some shame) in what they are doing. Usually a much better bet than the investor backed chains.
I found it a very entertaining little documentary, and I wish the family the best, but it is no accident that the YouTube page I found it on also has many links that debate the difference between psychopath/sociopath, and some serial killer docs as well.
New York's "friendly" neighborhood restaurant proprietor has a marked mental illness. Mostly I feel sorry for him, his family and his masochistic patrons.
Don't believe me? Look up reviews on Yelp.
Reality is better than fiction
rggangi30 July 2006
I saw this movie the other night and was completely delighted by it. What passes for funny in most movies these days is usually recycled drivel that is apparent way before the punchline comes. Kenny Shopsin made me laugh at things I couldn't have imagined might come out of a human being's mouth-- and the best part is that a beat or two after you stop laughing, you realize how oddly thoughtful, intelligent and even tragic he is.
For what it's worth, the night I went, the director was there to talk about the movies afterwords and he came across as a very good guy who deserves to have people see his movie so he can go on making more like it. Also, if you take the advice of one of the other reviewers and visit Shopsin's while you're in Manhattan, don't tell him you're there because of the movie-- he'll throw you out.
For what it's worth, the night I went, the director was there to talk about the movies afterwords and he came across as a very good guy who deserves to have people see his movie so he can go on making more like it. Also, if you take the advice of one of the other reviewers and visit Shopsin's while you're in Manhattan, don't tell him you're there because of the movie-- he'll throw you out.
A Very Entertaining Movie
baho21 February 2004
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!)
Slice of Life
baho222 January 2004
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!)
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!)
A Fantastic Piece of NYC
axelfrederic18 July 2008
What a great little film! Having worked in the village for many years, this film really embodies what it used to be like. Creating a space for friends, having your own rules and forming a community out of a business is so far gone now. But this doc will stand the test of time. When people want to know what the Village was really like near the end of its days, tell them to watch this film. Say what you will about Kenny and family but they are true human beings. The film has a great pace and is a true doc in the Maysles bros. tradition. It has the perfect blend of customers comments, kitchen action, family dynamics and New York sights. I am happy that after another move, Shopsin's is still around. Rent it on Netflix and enjoy!
In a Hundred Years You Will Still be a Party of Five
eagerbuster923 September 2012
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.
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.
True heart..
obriensk12 January 2017
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.
I missed out!
timmcgahren15 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I suppose as I get older I realize what it means to invest your life into something, and the regret of not investing yourself enough into something. Sure Kenny is crass, obnoxious, a little weird looking and perhaps mean, but really the guy looks like he was a one of a kind facet of Greenwich Village. He methods were unorthodox as shown in the multiple shots of this Jewish chef cooking bacon in the fry cooker, and turning the food with his hands, but he was a man from a certain place and time. He has personality, he is unique, and I think we now live in a world where it is very hard to be unique and live a middle class life or be a part of a culture.
I sympathized with him that they kept raising his rent and messing with him, and it was very affected by the insights provided by his children, especially about his son describing Kenny as a man cursed by his own work ethic. Kids by the way who seemed to love their dad and was in return loved by him very much, regardless of what was said, the love came through.
I am a sucker for food movies and the food was interesting. I would have loved to have eaten there at least once and by the end of the movie I was saddened both by the way this man was forced to move from the place that was essentially a part of him and he a part of it (the grime lines where the pictures and stove used to be really presented this well), and the fact that he lost his wife. Personally, although it was not stated, I think her heart broke over the move more than was portrayed in the movie.
9 out of 10? I wanted to be there, and now I missed my chance to eat with Kenny or be thrown out of his restaurant. Also, I think this was not the very best name for a documentary about a cook and his restaurant, and kept me from watching it for months, only deciding to after I was going to push doubts aside try something new, much in the way it is shown that Kenny was always trying something new with his food. Great film.
I sympathized with him that they kept raising his rent and messing with him, and it was very affected by the insights provided by his children, especially about his son describing Kenny as a man cursed by his own work ethic. Kids by the way who seemed to love their dad and was in return loved by him very much, regardless of what was said, the love came through.
I am a sucker for food movies and the food was interesting. I would have loved to have eaten there at least once and by the end of the movie I was saddened both by the way this man was forced to move from the place that was essentially a part of him and he a part of it (the grime lines where the pictures and stove used to be really presented this well), and the fact that he lost his wife. Personally, although it was not stated, I think her heart broke over the move more than was portrayed in the movie.
9 out of 10? I wanted to be there, and now I missed my chance to eat with Kenny or be thrown out of his restaurant. Also, I think this was not the very best name for a documentary about a cook and his restaurant, and kept me from watching it for months, only deciding to after I was going to push doubts aside try something new, much in the way it is shown that Kenny was always trying something new with his food. Great film.
Great documentary. Watched it 3 times.
mickieoh11 February 2011
I loved this documentary! Kenny is a fascinating personality with some of the funniest philosophies ever. I watched this movie in complete awe of the way he incorporates profanity into his ideas of what life is all about; he makes it work.
I read that he closed his restaurant. I suppose 32 years was enough. I saw at the end of the movie that his beloved wife died; my deepest sympathy for a lady that seemed deeply satisfied and happy with her family. As a matter of fact, the whole family seemed very content and enjoyed working together most of the time. Hats off to a great documentary that was funny, sensitive and timely. Mickie
I read that he closed his restaurant. I suppose 32 years was enough. I saw at the end of the movie that his beloved wife died; my deepest sympathy for a lady that seemed deeply satisfied and happy with her family. As a matter of fact, the whole family seemed very content and enjoyed working together most of the time. Hats off to a great documentary that was funny, sensitive and timely. Mickie
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