Yo movie lovers get ready for some classic gangster vibes with a twist! ' The Alto Knights ' just dropped and it's got a gimmick that's got everyone talking: Robert De Niro playing TWO lead roles. Yep you heard that right. But does more De Niro equal a better movie? Let's dive into what this flick is all about.
Two De Niros One Mob War: The Lowdown on 'The Alto Knights' Plot
So 'The Alto Knights' throws us right into the gritty world of New York mobsters back in the day. De Niro isn't just starring he is pulling double duty as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Costello is the smooth operator kinda legit respected in the game. Genovese on the other hand is the more ruthless thug type who rolls back into town after being gone for a while wanting his piece of the pie. These guys were buddies back in the day but things are about to get messy.
When someone takes a shot at Costello he knows Genovese is behind it. But instead of going full mob war Costello decides maybe it is time to get out. Famous last words in a gangster movie right? As we all know in these stories you do not just walk away from the mob. It is gonna come for you one way or another.
We hear a lot of the story from an older Costello who narrates the movie. It gives it this kinda old-school wistful feel but some critics say it leans too much on telling instead of showing. Lots of exposition they say. We get montages of photos and old film trying to show Costello and Genovese's history but some review s suggest it doesn't quite click. Are we watching a straight-up serious biopic or something a bit more self-aware and almost cartoonish? The movie seems to be straddling the line.
De Niro vs. De Niro: Performance Breakdown and a Bit of Cartoonish Mob Style
De Niro definitely goes for different vibes with each character. As Costello he's more naturalistic understated. As Genovese though he goes bigger almost cartoonish some say. He's hunched over voice pitched up maybe even channeling a bit of Joe Pesci from those classic mob movies like 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino'. Costello seems to draw from De Niro's past iconic roles like Vito Corleone and Al Capone. It's like De Niro is playing with his own mob movie history.
Visually the movie also gets a bit stylized. Some reviewers have compared it to a live-action comic strip like 'Dick Tracy'. De Niro's Costello even sports a prosthetic nose that is quite something and Genovese has this super square jaw almost Funko Pop-like. Cosmo Jarvis who plays Vincent Gigante another mobster has a pretty exaggerated look too. It is a choice for sure.
The De Niro vs. De Niro scenes are where the movie really sparks to life. Those moments when Costello and Genovese are face-to-face are mentioned as highlights. Apparently De Niro can create these subtle glances and expressions that are captivating even in scenes that are mostly just talking. One scene where Genovese watches Costello testify on TV and reacts to it out loud is pointed out as having real depth and tension.
Cincinnati Steals the Show? Familiar Locations Get Their Close-Up
Fun fact 'The Alto Knights' was Filmed in Cincinnati Ohio! If you are from the area you might recognize a lot of spots. Apparently almost 50 locations around Cincinnati were used. They even transformed a block near Arnold's into Little Italy and used some of the city's historic ballrooms.
Film Cincinnati hosted a screening and mentioned that over 500 local actors and crew members were involved in the production. That is a big boost for the local film scene. Having a movie with a star like De Niro filmed there brings major exposure to Cincinnati and could attract more projects in the future. So even if the movie itself is getting mixed reviews Cincinnati is definitely getting a chance to shine.
Is It a 'Goodfellas' Successor? Critics are Mixed on 'The Alto Knights'
So is 'The Alto Knights' the next 'Goodfellas'? Many reviews are saying not quite. While it is penned by Nicholas Pileggi who co-wrote 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino' it doesn't seem to reach those heights. Some reviews call it enjoyable but uneven and say it doesn't quite live up to its predecessors.
One review mentions it feels like a mob movie version of 'The Parent Trap' maybe not as serious as it should be given the subject matter. There are moments that work like the courtroom scene the Senate hearing and that mob summit scene that gets hilariously busted by the cops. But overall some critics say it feels longer than its two-hour runtime and lacks consistent wit or depth. It is definitely described as De Niro-centric for better or worse.
Ultimately 'The Alto Knights' seems to land somewhere in the middle. It might not be a genre-defining masterpiece but with Robert De Niro playing two roles it's bound to be interesting to watch for mob movie fans and De Niro enthusiasts. Just don't go in expecting another 'Goodfellas'.
Key Facts About 'The Alto Knights':
- Robert De Niro plays dual lead roles as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese.
- Directed by Barry Levinson and written by Nicholas Pileggi ('Goodfellas' 'Casino').
- Filmed extensively in Cincinnati Ohio using over 50 locations.
- Based on the true story of the rivalry between real-life mob bosses Costello and Genovese in 1957 New York.
- Features a mix of tones from serious drama to almost cartoonish gangster elements.
- Includes a recreation of the historic Apalachin Meeting mob summit.
- Reviews are mixed praising De Niro's performance and visuals but criticizing the plot and pacing.