Imagine New York City in the 1950s, where whispers of betrayal echo through dark alleys and the stakes in organized crime rise higher than ever. In The Alto Knights, Robert De Niro returns to the gangster genre, presenting a gripping tale that fans have eagerly embraced as ‘excellent’. This cinematic gem is now streaming on Amazon Prime, allowing audiences to dive into a rich tapestry of power struggles and loyalty.
Directed by the seasoned Barry Levinson, The Alto Knights stars De Niro in a dual role, portraying two of the city’s most infamous crime bosses. The film paints a vivid picture of their tumultuous friendship turned bitter rivalry, fueled by petty jealousies and bitter betrayals. Alongside De Niro, the film features a talented cast including Debra Messing, Kathrine Narducci, Cosmo Jarvis, and Michael Rispoli.
The plot synopsis captures the essence of the film’s conflic”Two of New York City’s most notorious organized crime bosses vie for control of the city’s streets.” As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a blend of intense drama and period charm, which has drawn mixed reactions from both fans and critics. While audiences have rated the film 71%, critics are less impressed, giving it only 39%. The critics consensus describes it as “a competent but tired retread of mob movie tropes,†indicating that while the film may satisfy die-hard fans, it doesn’t break new ground.
Despite the critical reception, audience members have praised the film’s engaging narrative and strong performances. One enthusiastic fan on Rotten Tomatoes termed it “an excellent period piece based to some degree on historical events,†highlighting the superb acting and captivating storytelling. Yet, others echo sentiments of disappointment, pointing out that De Niro’s presence in yet another gangster film feels slightly formulaic.
Notably, an IMDb review pointedly remarks, “If I ever wondered why ‘The Alto Knights’ was so under-advertised prior to its release, having seen it I don’t wonder anymore. It’s not very good.” This disparity in opinions brings an intriguing layer to the film’s discussion, as some viewers find it “very very good,” lauding aspects like narration, editing, and cinematography.
As with many films tapping into the rich gangster genre, The Alto Knights has sparked conversations about its cultural significance. It stands as a homage to past mob films, prioritizing character-driven drama over action. While not a groundbreaking addition to the genre, it serves as an enjoyable pastiche that intertwines nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, further solidifying De Niro’s legacy. For those seeking a dose of crime drama, it’s worth checking out on Amazon Prime, alongside other impactful releases like Oppenheimer.