The Alto Knights Review: Robert De Niro Can’t Save Gangster Movie

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In many aspects, “The Alto Knights,” directed by Barry Levinson, continues Robert De Niro’s long-standing influence on contemporary gangster films. This movie portrays the genuine power struggle between Mafia chieftains Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, with De Niro portraying both characters. The narrative sets up an intense, character-driven crime saga, but despite De Niro’s powerful performance, “The Alto Knights” fails to fully live up to expectations. It lacks the pace needed to generate momentum and seems overly familiar in its storytelling, resulting in a rather uninspired addition to a genre that has previously showcased De Niro at his finest.

In essence, the movie primarily revolves around the conflict between Genovese and Costello, both aiming for dominance in the Mafia’s upper echelons. When Vito attempts to seize power by ordering Frank’s assassination, Costello narrowly escapes, triggering a dangerous sequence of survival, countermeasures, and retaliation. The animosity between these characters ought to be intense and, at moments, the movie manages to convey the gravity of their past and the risks at play. However, The Alto Knights fails to delve sufficiently into their personalities, which hinders the depth and emotional impact of their struggle.

Robert De Niro’s double act shines brightest in the movie. He skillfully portrays Vito and Frank, with Vito being more strategic and assertive, contrasted by Frank’s calm, weary demeanor tinged with wisdom. Additionally, De Niro alters his voice for each character, yet the film doesn’t offer much visual distinction between them. As a result, it seems like one actor playing different parts instead of two separate historical figures interacting on screen.

One distinctive feature of The Alto Knights lies in its frequent usage of first-person narration, with Robert De Niro serving as the storyteller. In many scenes, he addresses the camera as if he were part of a documentary. Although De Niro possesses the necessary authority for such narrative style, the overall structure seems insufficiently developed. The movie fails to explain why this particular method was employed, which gives the impression that it’s merely a means to convey expository information rather than an engaging storytelling choice. If the filmmakers had integrated this device more effectively—maybe connecting it to an emotional moment—it could have felt more organic and essential to the movie instead of merely serving as a tool to fill in narrative voids.

In essence, while Robert De Niro’s acting is commendable, the movie itself encounters issues with its tempo. The initial segments seem prolonged, focusing excessively on character introductions and minor power plays, delaying the build-up of significant conflict. Contrastingly, films like Goodfellas and Casino immediately engage viewers with their dynamic energy and vivid portrayal of setting. However, The Alto Knights moves at a more leisurely pace, which is less immediate or tense. Even as the tension escalates, it fails to reach the necessary level of suspense or peril to make the power struggle as gripping as expected. The cinematography and set design convincingly depict New York in the 1950s, but the movie lacks a distinct visual style that sets it apart from other mafia-themed films.

In essence, the climax of the movie appears underwhelming. As the power struggle nears its end, the film fails to accumulate enough intensity for the resolution to seem fulfilling. Unlike The Irishman, which utilized its length to delve into the repercussions of a criminal life, The Alto Knights seems to lose steam, concluding more with an indifferent shrug than a dramatic finish. Despite its historical background, the movie fails to make the narrative gripping or enlightening in any meaningful way.

As a gamer diving into The Alto Knights, I’ve got to admit there were some rough edges. However, the game didn’t completely disappoint – at times, especially in the final act, it managed to amp up the tension that had been building up. But those brilliant moments were too scarce, often overshadowed by a game that seemed more like a routine playthrough than a unique adventure. The side characters gave it their all, but they didn’t get enough depth to make a lasting impact. To be honest, I feel like The Alto Knights missed a golden opportunity – there’s a captivating real-life tale behind it, yet the game never manages to make that story feel urgent. Instead, it settles for a worn-out formula that leaves you feeling unimpressed.

The Alto Knights Review: Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Alto Knights movie relies heavily on Robert De Niro’s iconic screen persona, yet it falls short of greatness. Although it’s competently made, it lacks the passion and complexity that characterized the films which originally elevated De Niro to legendary status in the gangster genre. While die-hard fans may find some appeal in watching him portray these two historical characters, this film pales in comparison to his previous work, seeming more like a footnote than a standout performance.

SCORE: 5/10

According to the review guidelines on ComingSoon, a score of 5 translates to “Average” or “Mediocre”. In such cases, the film’s positive aspects tend to balance out its shortcomings, resulting in an overall neutral assessment.

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2025-03-22 00:40