Robert De Niro shines in dual roles as Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, but even his star power can’t elevate this underwhelming mob drama.
Directed by Barry Levinson, “The Alto Knights” attempts to recapture the magic of classic gangster films like “Goodfellas,” but ultimately falls short. The film’s central premise – De Niro playing both lead roles due to a script rewrite – is initially intriguing, but it quickly becomes a gimmick that fails to deliver.
De Niro brings his signature charm and intensity to both characters, making their on-screen interactions captivating. However, the film’s pacing issues and lack of tension make it hard to become fully invested in the story. The narrative jumps around, rarely taking the time to explore the complexities of its subjects.
Despite this, there are moments of delight – a tense courtroom scene, a comically chaotic mob summit, and a poignant portrayal of the wives’ struggles to cope with their husbands’ lives. The use of vintage footage and photographs adds an interesting layer to the film’s narrative, although it sometimes feels like a distraction from the main story.
Ultimately, “The Alto Knights” feels like a missed opportunity to create a compelling mob drama. With more attention to pacing and storytelling, De Niro’s talents could have resulted in a truly memorable performance. As it stands, this movie is an enjoyable but forgettable ride that fails to live up to its full potential.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/alto-knights-movie-review-robert-de-niro-a3fa782f980edbafa1bfac39259b3079