The Alto Knights

The Alto Knights (2025), directed by Barry Levinson and penned by Nicholas Pileggi, aspires to rekindle the allure of classic mob dramas. Featuring Robert De Niro in dual roles as rival crime bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, the film delves into their complex relationship set against the backdrop of 1950s New York.

De Niro's portrayal of both characters showcases his versatility, with Costello depicted as a diplomatic figure and Genovese as a more volatile counterpart. While some critics found the dual performance compelling, others felt it lacked sufficient distinction between the two roles, leading to potential confusion.

The narrative offers glimpses into significant events, such as a Senate committee grilling and a disrupted mob summit, providing moments of intrigue. However, the film's pacing has been described as uneven, and its attempt to emulate the grandeur of predecessors like Goodfellas falls short.

Critically, The Alto Knights has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 37% approval rating from critics, while audiences have been more forgiving, with a 67% score from verified viewers. The film's box office performance has been underwhelming, grossing $9.6 million worldwide against a $45 million budget.

Verdict: While The Alto Knights offers a nostalgic nod to classic gangster films and features a noteworthy performance by De Niro, it struggles to carve its own identity within the genre. Fans of mob dramas may find it worth a watch, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of its iconic predecessors.