‘The Alto Knights’ VOD Review
Stars: Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Kathrine Narducci, Cosmo Jarvis, Michael Rispoli, Robert Uricola, Frank Piccirillo, Matt Servitto | Written by Nicholas Pileggi | Directed by Barry Levinson
The Alto Knights, directed by Barry Levinson, brings together a talented cast, with Robert De Niro in the spotlight, portraying dual roles. The film sets out to explore the complex world of 1950s New York mobsters, but while it has all the right ingredients for a gripping crime drama, it ultimately falls short of becoming a memorable entry in the genre.
De Niro’s dual performance as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two real-life mob bosses, is certainly an ambitious choice. On paper, the idea of him playing both characters sounds intriguing. However, the execution feels a bit lacklustre. The portrayal of Costello as the calm and calculating “gentleman gangster” and Genovese as the paranoid, impulsive hothead does not carry the emotional weight that one might expect from such a dynamic. De Niro’s interpretation of Costello feels like a rehash of his past mob roles, while Genovese comes off as a somewhat flat character, lacking the intensity that could have made the rivalry between the two men more compelling.
The film’s structure contributes to its struggles. Instead of letting the story unfold naturally, The Alto Knights leans heavily on narration and flashbacks, creating an approach that feels more like a historical recounting than a cinematic experience. While historical context is certainly important, the over-reliance on exposition detracts from the pacing and emotional depth of the film. The characters are often defined by their actions and spoken history, but there is little exploration into their motivations and inner conflicts, making it difficult to fully engage with them.
Visually, the film succeeds in capturing the essence of 1950s New York, with period-appropriate costumes and sets that evoke the era’s atmosphere. Yet, the cinematography lacks the dynamism and energy that might have elevated the story. The attempt to channel the gritty realism and intensity of films like Goodfellas or Casino feels forced, and the film never quite achieves the same sense of urgency or excitement.
Another major flaw of The Alto Knights is its handling of the relationship between Costello and Genovese. The deterioration of their friendship, which is at the heart of the film, is presented as a series of events rather than an emotional journey. The bond between the two men is mentioned but never deeply explored, making their eventual falling-out feel more like a plot point than a dramatic arc. This lack of emotional depth makes it difficult for the audience to invest in their conflict.
Overall, The Alto Knights feels like a missed opportunity. Despite its strong cast and promising premise, the film never manages to rise above the formulaic aspects of the mob genre. It’s a competent crime drama, but one that fails to stand out or offer anything new. While it may appeal to die-hard De Niro fans, for most viewers, it’s a forgettable experience.
* 1/5
The Alto Knights is out now on digital platforms.
