Introduction
The Alto Knights is a 2025 mob film directed by Barry Levinson that follows the tumultuous relationship between two legendary crime bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Despite its historical roots and a strong performance by Robert De Niro, the film struggles to stand out from other iconic mob movies, ultimately feeling like a shallow imitation of classics like The Godfather and Goodfellas.
Story and Characters
The film explores how the friendship between Costello and Genovese soured after Genovese’s attempt on Costello’s life. The narrative is based on real-life events, and the script was written by Nicholas Pileggi, the author of Wiseguy. De Niro plays both Costello and Genovese, showcasing his acting range in dual roles. Though De Niro’s performances are strong, they do little to elevate the film beyond its clichés. The film’s plot struggles to bring anything new to the table, with the two characters ultimately revealing they are more alike than they initially believed.
A Familiar Approach
The film’s heavy use of narration, particularly from De Niro’s Costello, echoes the narrative style seen in The Irishman, but it feels uninspired here. While narration can be an effective storytelling tool, in The Alto Knights, it often feels lazy and unnecessary. The film’s editing also leaves much to be desired, with some transitions feeling jarring and the camera work sometimes appearing chaotic.
Strong Performances, but Limited Depth
One of the film’s strengths is the casting, particularly Kathrine Narducci as Anna Genovese. Narducci delivers a standout performance, especially in a comedic courtroom scene. The humor is well-integrated, with moments of levity provided by De Niro’s dual roles and Narducci’s interactions. However, the film’s pacing and lack of character development hinder its overall impact.
Conclusion
The Alto Knights ultimately fails to distinguish itself from the many mob films that have come before it. While De Niro’s performances and some humorous moments provide brief highlights, the film feels more like a derivative imitation than a fresh take on the genre. At its best, it offers some enjoyable moments, but at its worst, it lacks originality and depth.
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