across the country and especially in the political landscape and people with any kind of political ambition and should take time out to see this film . the movie be call city hall and with little imagination and it synopsis can take place anywhere in america . it just so happen to open in new york . here we have the story of a popular politician name mayor john pappa ( al pacino ) with enough savvy to run a major metropolitan city with very little effort . his right hand man be none other than deputy mayor kevin calhoun ( john cusack ) an equally bright individual who ambition be tie to his mentor and both seem destine for high office . everything point in that direction and until a police shoot ignites an investigation spearhead by marybeth cogan ( bridget fonda ) who believe the guilt point towards city hall and the mayor . a six year old boy and a police officer death be blame on a career criminal who questionable freedom lead to an apparent cover up by political pay offs and city corruption involve union leader like danny aiello play by frank anselmo and corrupt judicial official like judge walter stern . ( martin landau ) and mafia boss like paul zapatti ( anthony franciosa ) who be deeply involved . also implicate and be party official like larry schwartz ( richard schiff ) who work for the probation office of new york . but it be the bond between the mayor and his deputy which be take to task by the accidental shooting . a great vehicle for cusack and a sure bet nominee to become a classic . .