City Hall

Does anybody remember when lying used to be enough to get a politician in trouble? Well I guess I'm dating myself but in this delightful film you can reminisce about a simpler time when integrity meant something. My but that seems like a long time ago. Anyway....Director Harold Becker brings to life this engaging story set in a rainy / gritty New York City that is populated bya mélange of characters you would love to hang out with. Somewhat of the the "LA Confidential" ilk, City Hall has a big, strong cast. A compelling narrative with lots of twists and turns, but not so obtuse that you have to hang on every word. A story about good and evil where yes, you want the good guys to win - but the bad guys are so much fun you'd love to find yourself in acorner booth with a few of them one night, sipping a beer and listening to their many entertaining colorful stories.I like this role for Pacino. There's lots of room here for him to do his thing, but he does not go over the top a la Scarface. If you are a Pacino fan (and who's not?) you know that he often has a set piece in his films. A scene where he takes center-stage to make a "speech" that might not turn out too well. (You're out of order!) But as he gathers his thoughts, and finds his voice, and pulls the crowd along with him - he pulls the skeptics into his corner and propels the story to the next level. No exception here. He does it here with almost religious fervor which you will enjoy in the exposition of the film.Pacino is supported by a great cast. Danny Aiello. Martin Landau. Tony Franciosi. Bridget Fonda in one of her better roles and John Cusack, not always one of my favorite actors, who turns in a great performance and plays a pivotal role the ties the story together, as you will see. Big sweeping score by Jerry Goldsmith with some melodic themes that will stick in your head, in a most delightful way.Harold Becker he seems to have had a couple big films during the late 80s and early 90s including Sea of Love - but then appears to have fallen off the map. One credit that jumped out at me was The Onion Field (1979) which was not a huge movie, but WAS written by Joseph Wambaugh, who I consider to be the Godfather of the Modern Police genre. If you are not familiar with this work... look him up.City Hall is a delightful popcorn movie that will take you for a tour through the neighborhoods of New York City and these machinations of the Political Machine back in the day. Back to when integrity still mattered, sometimes. That's what City Hall is all about, as you will be delighted to discover.

Another one of my favorite Al Pacino movies

This is one of the best crime-drama movies during the late 1990s. It was filled with a great cast, a huge storyline, and many of the players involved gave great performances. Pacino was great; he should have been nominated for something. John Cusack was good too, as long as the viewer doesn't mind his Louuu-siana accent. He may come off as annoying if you can't stand this dialect. The way that Pacino's character interacted with Cusack's character was believable, dramatic, and slightly comical at times. Danny Aiello was superb as always. David Paymer was great in a supporting role. Bridget Fonda was good but not memorable. There were times when this picture mentioned so many characters, probably too many. It may take a second viewing to remember, "which Zapatti was which?" After so many cross-references, one has to stop and think just to recap.The ending didn't have a lot of sting. It was built up for so long in a good way and then was a little bit of a letdown. This was one of the few letdowns in the film I think that since the movie wasn't billed as a huge, blockbuster big screen hit, it made some forget that this movie even existed. Pacino was great but the film's lack of "splash" in the theaters may have accounted for no nominations. It was semi-successful in the home market, and viewers are still learing that this title is out there. Made in 1996, it still stands up seven years later and should still be popular for many years from now.So, make yourself some lemon pudding (you'll see) and rent this movie! Overall, a great picture.4 ½ out of 5!!!

Well acted about Big City politics.

Great movie

Great acting by some fine actors. Great story, great gut wrenching drama and suspense. Somebody tell me why they do not give John Cusack an oscar. He is going to be the next Kirk Douglas of actors that give fantastic acting jobs and never even get nominated. I guess they will wait till he is seventy and give him an honorary lifetime achievement oscar like they did Kirk Douglas. Great supporting actors including an intense Danny Aiello.

Stands the test of time.

Is there ever a movie in which Al Pacino does not yell at the top of his lungs? I guess he does this due to his lack of statute. Not an overly exciting movie. John Cusack dream walks through this "drama". The supporting cast is adequate. Danny Aiello is a politician, who the outfit feels is expendable, so, Danny whacks himself. Not much here.

Lo recomiendo.

very good

Nothing wrong with the product or the seller.The film itself is kind of weak.

On retrouve avec beaucoup de plaisir Al Pacino pour ce triller politique.Il est éblouissant dans ce rôle de maire de New YorkJohn Cusak lui donne la réplique avec beaucoup de justesse.A voir ou à revoir avec un immense plaisir.

Mr Pacino can be a little erratic in his performances but this is a good solid performance from a very accomplished actor. John Cussack also holds his end up well as does Danny Aiello ( a much underrated actor in my opinion)This is not a clear cut film about good and bad. It is about how these lines are easily blurred over time.A very good film that I would strongly recommend.