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.

MartinHafer 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.

tillzen 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.