July 15, 2007
I Like Killing Flies
Why the hell would anyone want to watch a documentary about a small neighborhood restaurant in Greenwich Village? Because it's awesome!
Starring: Kenny Shopsin, Eve Shopsin, Calvin Trillin
Rating: 9/10
Directed By: Matt Mahurin
Runtime: 80 minutes
Starring: Kenny Shopsin, Eve Shopsin, Calvin Trillin
Rating: 9/10
Directed By: Matt Mahurin
Runtime: 80 minutes
I have no idea why I rented this documentary. I have no recall of anyone recommending it to me, and no idea what made me pick it up. I almost didn't watch it even after I got it home, because it really didn't sound like anything I'd care about watching. But it was a strange day, i needed some comfort food, and I figured what the hell. 
I like Killing Flies is at face value a documentary about Shopsin's, a small family run restaurant in Greenwich Village which existed for 30+ years as one of those "only in New York City" sorts of places. If you weren't a regular customer, you were just as likely to get thrown out as you were to get a good meal. But the movie actually winds up being one of those beautiful little slice of life pieces that make you sad it wasn't a part of your life. The movie is about the restaurant, it's about the philosophies and stories of the owner, Kenny Shopsin, it's about a family going through a major change in their life, and it's about the effects of change on a neighborhood. Kenny may not realize it, but he's as CyberMonkey as they come. Party of 5? Get the fuck out! Talking on your cell phone? Get the fuck out! Special order? Get the fuck out! But if you leave food on your plate, he's going to taste it himself and make sure there wasn't anything wrong with it. If he messes up your meal, he's more upset about it than you are. Kenny Shopsin rules!The documentary is as slipshod and thrown together as Shopsin's kitchen, and that's a good thing. It's a perfect blend of style and content. Just a damn enjoyable little film, great for a weekend afternoon when you're in the mood to chill.