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.

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.

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.

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!)