Long a cultural fixture of New York's Greenwich Village, Shopsin's is explored in this documentary feature from music video director and filmmaker Matt Mahurin (1996's Mugshot). Facing the prospect of shutting down after years as one of the area's best-loved restaurants, owners Eve and Kenny Shopsin reflect on the eatery's beginnings and history. Along with demonstrating some of Shopsin's specialties in the kitchen, the eccentric Kenny waxes philosophically about love, life, politics, and
everything in between. I Like Killing Flies screened in competition at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
The security-camera visuals and intrusive button microphone jutting into the frame give the movie an appealing fly-on-the-wall quality, successfully capturing the old Shopsin's experience for posterity.
The central figure in this exuberant documentary, a committed Freudian who probably would've tossed Freud himself out had he looked at him sideways, spouts one gem after another.
Anyone who laments the loss of an older, grittier New York ought to adore this affectionate portrait of Greenwich Village restaurant owner Kenny Shopsin.
Shopsin is a character. He's loud, lewd and fat, speaks his mind on just about every subject known to man, and is beloved by his regular customers, who follow him to his new digs.
It is a joy of a movie. But watching it hungry -- at least for those of us outside New York, or those New Yorkers who Kenny refuses to serve -- only creates an appetite that cannot possibly be satisfied.
Documentary time: I Like Killing Flies.
If you don't care for a restaurant owner who curses at you, questions why you didn't like his food (by sometimes eating what you did not) or tells you CANNOT seat more than 4 people, and if you try you will get thrown out - FOR LIFE, you might not want to watch the documentary:
I Like Killing Flies. But if you are like me, someone who likes curmudgeons, really good food and a unique atmosphere - then watch the documentary as soon as possible!
Now I don't review documentaries like I do the fictional movies so I am not going to give this any rating except to say after watching this one I wanted to book a flight to New York City ASAP!!
This is about Kenny Shopsin and family and their New York eatery. It has been there for years and by the looks of it not cleaned a lot over those years. But I didn't mind that. It was the philosophy of Kenny Shopsin, cook and owner, that had me totally fascinated. He has his own unique way of how he sees life, how a restaurant should be run and if you don't agree him then you can GO F#%* YOURSELF! Really, that is how he talks to his customers. I had a huge smile on my face the entire time and after watching this film you will probably see what I saw: A man dedicated to the best meal he can cook for you. Nothing else matters!
For more of the review: http://www.tiredofpreviews.com/2011/07/i-like-killing-flies.html
July 27, 2011
Tired of Previews
Super Reviewer
Interesting doc on eccentric cook in NY who lives by his own wacky rules and morals. His menu is strangely appealing.
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