The Alto Knights – REVIEW

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In the creative minds of Nicholas Pileggi, who penned Goodfellas, and Robert de Niro, a prominent actor from Goodfellas, emerges a movie similar to Goodfellas, titled The Alto Knights. De Niro portrays two distinct characters, frequently sharing scenes with mobsters, embodying the volatile Vito Genovese and the more thoughtful Frank Costello in this production.

The narrative unfolds in 1957 following an assassination attempt on Costello, leading to a sequence of flashbacks narrated by him about their childhood camaraderie. They had been in charge of the criminal underworld until Vito began eliminating those who could incriminate him, forcing him into exile. Upon returning to the US, Vito disposed of the last remaining witness, aiming to reclaim his former operations. However, Frank informs him that it’s not as straightforward as he thinks, leading Vito to start anew with his ruthless and often lethal tactics.

It’s understandable why De Niro found this part appealing, as it allows him to portray two distinct characters. In this story, Castello is the main character and contrasts greatly with his old school friend Vito. Frank is a contemplative, intelligent individual who never resorts to violence, unlike his past when he was caught with a weapon and imprisoned. Despite being a boss, he doesn’t have any security or protection, even though he’s not the professional gambler he claims to be. This lack of defense makes him an easy target for an assassination attempt, one which he believes has been ordered by Vito without any real authority from the higher ranks in the mob.

Vito, on the other hand, is more of a physical force with a volatile temperament. He relies on brute strength and violence to solve problems, and his explosive nature can cause him to act impulsively over even minor issues. This role for Vito echoes Joe Pesci’s character in Goodfellas. However, after the attempt on Frank’s life, it’s Frank who decides to retire and hand over the business to an increasingly anxious and suspicious Vito.

In the latest film directed by Barry Levinson, known for his production of television movies in recent years, he reunites with Robert De Niro for the first time since 1997’s ‘Wag the Dog.’ Both have extensive experience in mafia-themed films. The script was penned by Pileggi, whose intimate understanding of real-life mafia life lends an authenticity to this true story. However, the movie frequently features De Niro on screen, seated and flipping through a slide projector depicting significant moments from his and Vito’s lives while narrating directly to the camera. This narrative approach takes viewers out of the moment and could have been more effectively conveyed as a voiceover, as seen in ‘Goodfellas.’ The film concludes with Frank conversing with the camera in its final scene.

Watching any mafia film featuring Robert De Niro is always an enjoyable experience, and The Alto Knights is no exception. What sets it apart is the unique twist of De Niro acting alongside himself, skillfully executed with digital technology. However, the narrative of mob deceit, betrayal, and collapse as organizations crumble is not exactly fresh territory. In a way, it resembles a lighter version of Goodfellas.

Here’s The Alto Knights trailer……

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2025-03-20 03:23