Robert De Niro's Forgotten Gangster Flick: A Missed Opportunity

Robert De Niro has been a staple in the gangster genre for decades. From his breakout role in "Mean Streets" to his iconic performance in "The Godfather Part II, " he has proven his mettle in the genre. However, not all of his ventures have been successful. "The Alto Knights, " a 2025 film about the rivalry between the Genovese and Luciano crime families, is a prime example of a missed opportunity. The film, directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi, was initially titled "Wise Guys" and had been passed around Hollywood since the 1970s. Despite Pileggi's impressive resume, including scripts for "Goodfellas" and "Casino, " the project never gained traction. It wasn't until David Zaslav, the boss of Warner Bros. Discovery, decided to revive the script that the film saw the light of day. Unfortunately, "The Alto Knights" was a flop. It received mostly negative reviews and a lackluster B Cinemascore. The film's lackluster reception can be attributed to several factors. For one, the script was outdated and lacked the freshness of Pileggi's previous works. Additionally, De Niro's performance was lackluster, with the actor doing the bare minimum to distinguish between his dual roles as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. The film's direction and cinematography were also criticized. Levinson's direction lacked energy, and cinematographer Dante Spinotti's work was uninspired. The film's staging and pacing were also criticized, with some viewers noting that it felt like watching an old-timers' baseball game. Despite its flaws, "The Alto Knights" is a useful study in creative hackery. It's a reminder of what happens when a project is revived without proper care and attention. The film's failure is a testament to the importance of fresh ideas and innovative storytelling in the film industry.