As uninspired as its title, Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights is a perplexing and surprisingly dull addition to the pantheon of mafia cinema. With the combined talent of Levinson and screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi – who brought us Casino, Goodfellas, and The Irishman for crying out loud! – expectations were sky-high, but somehow their latest collaboration leaves us with little excitement and minimal impact.
The film follows the real-life mob bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese through their tumultuous histories and eventual rivalry, with Robert De Niro portraying both roles in a highly publicized dual performance.
At its core is the decades-long clash between Costello and Genovese. Named after a popular New York City mob meeting place, The film weaves a tale of friendship turned sour, as childhood bonds are consumed by ambition, jealousy, and greed.
Frank Costello, a respected and diplomatic mafia leader, sits at the helm of New York’s underworld, commanding reverence with his composed yet calculating demeanor. Meanwhile, Vito Genovese, a violent and fiercely determined former boss, emerges from exile, hell-bent on reclaiming his position at any cost. Their vastly different approaches and ambitions ignite an intense rivalry that propels the narrative forward.
Through a combination of brutal tactics and intricate scheming, Vito sets his sights on dethroning his former friend, while Frank fights to maintain his empire without succumbing to Vito's ruthless methods. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and unchecked ambition collide as their vendetta escalates into a deadly battle that threatens not just their lives, but the very foundation of organized crime in America.
However, Levinson and Pileggi’s decision to focus heavily on the dry, procedural elements of mob life rather than the charismatic, high-stakes drama audiences expect from mafia films, leads to a narrative that is lacking at best, and downright boring at worst. Key plot points are weighed down with overused flashback montages, some of which employ black-and-white archival photos. These scenes are gimmicky rather than innovative, and only disrupt the pacing.
Robert De Niro’s dual role as Frank and Vito is... fine, but hardly groundbreaking. While his performance is competent, it adds little to the film apart from the marketing buzz it generated. Neither character feels fully distinct from the other, leaving us to question the necessity of casting De Niro for both roles. And that decision isn’t really clarified in the film’s production notes either, other than because it was cool when Peter Sellers played three roles in Dr. Strangelove. Compared to his iconic performances in Goodfellas or Casino, this is exceptionally underwhelming. The lackluster script highlights the issue, failing to breathe life into two legendary figures of organized crime.
Katherine Narducci’s portrayal of Anna Genovese is a rare bright spot. She electrifies every scene she's in, playing Vito’s strong-willed, bar-owning wife with a ferocious charisma that hints at the exciting, complex stories the film neglects to explore. Unfortunately, her limited screen time only serves as a reminder of the missed opportunities throughout The Alto Knights. On the other hand, Debra Messing’s performance as Frank’s wife, Bobbie Costello, is adequate but largely forgettable, given how shallowly her character is written.
The film's aesthetic fails to make up for the uninspired story. Despite the involvement of renowned cinematographer Dante Spinotti, the visual approach is static, and the use of mono-toned flashbacks is nothing but a rehash of techniques done better elsewhere. It all feels period perfect, but the immersive grandeur of films like The Godfather or even Levinson’s Bugsy is glaringly absent.
Rather than building on the momentum of Levinson and Pileggi’s prior collaborations, The Alto Knights is a watered-down reenactment of better films. Without the vivid characters, sharp dialogue, or visceral energy that defines this genre, the movie is an overly long history lesson rather than the gripping drama it could have been.
For those expecting something in the league of Goodfellas, Fuhgetaboutit!
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 120 mins
Director: Barry Levinson
Writer: Nicholas Pileggi
Cast: Robert De Niro; Katherine Narducci; Debra Messing
Genre: Drama | Crime
Tagline: The Most Dangerous Enemy is an Old Friend
Memorable Movie Quote: "You're going down a very dangerous road"
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Official Site:
Release Date: March 21, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Two of New York City's most notorious organized crime bosses vie for control of the city's streets. Once best friends, petty jealousies and a series of betrayals set them on a deadly collision course.
