The Alto Knights ★★★★

Released: 21st March 2025 

Director: Barry Levinson 

Starring: Robert De Niro, Cosmo Jarvis, Debra Messing 

There are movies that entertain, and then there are movies that leave a mark. The Alto Knights achieves both. Before watching this film, I had never seen The Godfather—an admission that, in mob movie circles, would probably get me exiled. But after this? I’m officially hooked.

Directed by Barry Levinson (Rain Man) and written by Nicholas Pileggi (Goodfellas), The Alto Knights brings to life the story of two real-life Mafia legends—Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. What makes this even more impressive? Both roles are played by Robert De Niro. And let me just say—this is some of his best work in many a year.

The film is structured almost like a documentary, with Costello narrating his and Vito’s rise through the crime world. We see them grow up together, build their empire, and—inevitably—fall apart. Their brotherhood at first is unshakable, but when Vito gets out of prison and sets his sights on total control, things start spiralling toward an explosive confrontation.

Right from the opening, the film establishes itself as something special. The first scene—a brooding monologue from Costello—sets the tone, pulling us into a world of loyalty, violence, and power. From there, the story unfolds with precision, balancing political manoeuvring with brutal action sequences.

Of course, what truly elevates The Alto Knights is De Niro. Playing two vastly different men in the same film is no easy feat, yet he does it seamlessly. Vito is cold, calculating, and power-hungry, while Frank is charismatic, measured, and—despite being a mobster—oddly likable. Watching De Niro act opposite himself is an absolute masterclass.

Now, is The Alto Knights perfect? Not quite. Some scenes linger a tad too long, especially when the film leans heavily into the dialogue. At times, it feels like Levinson wanted to make sure we absorbed every last word, even when the pacing could have used a push. But just as things risk dragging, the film throws in a well-timed one-liner that had me giggling, naturally easing the tension.

And let’s talk about the action—because when The Alto Knights goes full throttle, it really goes for it. The assassination attempt on Costello? Masterfully executed. The build-up to that moment is thick with tension, and when the gunshot finally rings out, it’s a pulse-pounding moment that reshapes everything that follows.

But what struck me most was the sheer emotion packed into the film. It’s not just about crime—it’s about friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and the weight of decisions. One minute, you’re laughing at a perfectly timed quip. The next, you’re gripping the armrest, biting your nails unsure who will make it out alive and kicking.

By the time the credits rolled, I knew one thing—I craved more. The Alto Knights didn’t just entertain me; it ignited a love for mob films I didn’t even know I had. So now, with The Godfather officially at the top of my watchlist, I can safely say this film did its job.