‘The Alto Knights’ Debuts to Tepid Reviews Despite Star Power

Robert De Niro's dual performance as mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello fails to elevate Barry Levinson's crime drama, criticized for its pacing and lack of depth.

The film, based on real-life mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, explores their power struggle and the 1951 Senate hearings on organized crime.
Robert De Niro takes on dual roles, portraying both Genovese and Costello, marking a career first for the 80-year-old actor.
Critics have described the film as underwhelming, citing excessive dialogue, sluggish pacing, and a lack of fresh perspective in the gangster genre.
Directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, the film aims for historical authenticity but struggles to engage audiences effectively.
Some reviewers suggest that the complex narrative and characters would have been better suited for a limited series format.