City Hall

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"It started with a shootout on a rainswept street and ended in a scandal that shattered New York."
  • R
  • 1996
  • 1 hr 51 min
  • 6.2  (22,240)
  • 62

City Hall is a dramatic thriller from 1996, directed by Harold Becker, starring Al Pacino, John Cusack, and Bridget Fonda. The movie is set in New York City and follows the story of a corrupt politician, a young cop, and a determined deputy mayor. The story begins with a tragic incident where several children are killed in a shootout between police officers and drug dealers. The incident brings Deputy Mayor Kevin Calhoun (John Cusack) and Police Commissioner Frank Anselmo (Al Pacino) together as they investigate the incident and try to find a solution to the problem. The investigation leads them to a shocking discovery of corruption, bribery, and scandal in the highest levels of the government.

As the story progresses, we get a glimpse into the life of John Pappas (Danny Aiello), the corrupt politician who is at the center of the scandal. Pappas is a powerful figure who uses his influence and connections to manipulate the system and stay in power. He is a man with a double life, hiding his corruption and scandals from his public image as a people's representative.

Meanwhile, Kevin Calhoun begins to uncover the truth behind the incident and the corruption in the government. He receives help from Marybeth Cogan (Bridget Fonda), a journalist who is investigating the case. Together, they uncover a web of deceit, bribery, and power struggles that extend beyond the city hall. As they get closer to the truth, they become the targets of powerful people who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

City Hall is not just a story about corruption and scandal in the government. It is a story about power, politics, and how choices can have far-reaching consequences. It touches on issues of morality and ethics, and asks the question of how far one is willing to go to protect their position in the world.

Al Pacino delivers a masterful performance as Frank Anselmo, the Police Commissioner who is a pillar of integrity in a web of corruption. His character brings a sense of gravitas and weight to the story, and his scenes with John Cusack are some of the most powerful in the movie. Cusack, on the other hand, gives a measured and nuanced performance as Kevin Calhoun, the young deputy mayor who is struggling to navigate the murky waters of New York politics.

Bridget Fonda also delivers a solid performance as Marybeth Cogan, the journalist who is determined to bring the truth to light. Her character brings a much-needed sense of objectivity and perspective to the story, and her chemistry with Cusack is sparkling.

The direction by Harold Becker is steady and assured, and he manages to keep the tension high throughout the movie. He manages to balance the various plot threads and characters skillfully, making sure that everyone has a place in the story.

Overall, City Hall is a powerful and compelling movie that delves into the darker aspects of politics and government. It is a story of corruption, betrayal, and redemption, and it explores important themes of power dynamics and morality. The performances by the cast, especially Al Pacino, are superb, and the direction by Harold Becker is top-notch. If you enjoy political thrillers, then City Hall is definitely worth watching.

City Hall is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 62.

City Hall
Description
Where to Watch City Hall
City Hall is available to watch free on Kanopy and YouTube. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent City Hall for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1996
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 51 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.2  (22,240)
  • Metascore
    62
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