Review of City Hall (1996) by David A — 18 Apr 2010
(from The Watermark 02/17/96).
A refreshingly unpandering adult drama about the politics of crime, Pacino is the Mayor of New York City, and Cusack is his unjaded Kentucky-born Deputy Mayor. An unexpected shootout between a cop and a drug dealer results in the death of an innocent child; Cusack (whose accent varies from scene to scene) tries to find out why the drug dealer wasn't put away long ago. His inquiries end up unlocking an intriguing chain of events that point to several elected officials. The film's message is not very uplifting, but it skillfully ascertains that politics can bring out the worst in even the best of people. QUEER QUOTIENT: Fonda's attorney character is underwritten, but she's still ballsy enough to hold her own against the men. Danny Aiello plays a political hopeful who loves Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. The film does a great job incorporating R & H's music into Aiello's bittersweet subplot. Made-to-order for melodramatic showtune queens.
This review of City Hall (1996) was written by David A on 18 Apr 2010.
City Hall has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
