De Niro Stars in Double Roles in The Alto Knights Streaming Now

The latest production by Barry Levinson, titled “The Alto Knights,” features Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, and Cosmo Jarvis in a gritty 1950s New York crime drama. This film has gained attention for marking De Niro’s return to the gangster genre, where he achieved significant success during the ’80s and ’90s. Despite mixed reviews, many viewers have admired the film’s dedication to the genre and De Niro’s outstanding portrayal in the lead role.

While “The Alto Knights” is inspired by real events, Levinson’s movie deviates significantly from the actual story of Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two infamous New York crime bosses from the 1950s. The film’s expansive narrative style recalls works such as “The Godfather” and “Goodfellas,” yet it falls short of equaling those timeless masterpieces. However, despite not quite reaching their level, there’s still plenty to appreciate in the movie, and its release on streaming platforms may encourage new viewers to give it a try.

Robert De Niro Plays Dual Gangster Roles In The Alto Knights & It’s Now Streaming

The Actor Has Two Strong Roles In This Brutal Story

In addition to signaling Robert De Niro’s comeback to the crime genre that fans have been eagerly anticipating, “The Alto Knights” also presents one of his most complex and intense performances in recent memory. Remarkably, De Niro takes on two distinct characters – a duo of former friends turned rival mob bosses whose personal conflicts overshadow their once close relationship. This unique plot device not only delivers double the De Niro that viewers expected, but also maximizes every moment, making it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.

The Alto Knights carries a distinct Martin Scorsese-esque vibe, with its multi-layered storylines and finely crafted characters, though it occasionally falters under the heaviness of its own narrative. Yet, De Niro shines in both his portrayals, leveraging his double act to underscore the parallel personalities of these two figures. It’s not merely a trick; his acting serves to delve into themes of individual freedom and fate within the underworld of criminal organizations.

The Alto Knights Is Made For Robert De Niro & Gangster Movie Fans

The Film Is A Celebration Of Classic Gangster Movies

In essence, “The Alto Knights” seems tailor-made for enthusiasts of the gangster genre. It doesn’t strive to redefine the formula (and the repetitiveness was often criticized), but that’s what makes it so enjoyable for fans of Robert De Niro. It’s a delightful return to the gritty, pulpy thrillers that De Niro was known for in the ’80s and ’90s, and Nicholas Pileggi appears to have drawn inspiration from some of De Niro’s classic roles when penning this script.

Why The Alto Knights’ Reviews Were So Bad

Unfortunately, Critics Didn’t Rally Around De Niro’s New Movie

Despite the familiarity with the genre, critics didn’t readily embrace The Alto Knights. The film, in many aspects, falls short in comparison to De Niro’s other iconic gangster movies such as Casino and Goodfellas. At times, it seems to draw inspiration from these projects in a manner that can appear overly simplistic or imitative. To put it another way, the exceptional acting can only carry so much of the film’s weight. If you aren’t already won over by the plot, The Alto Knights doesn’t offer much to sway your opinion.

It’s great news that “The Alto Knights” has finally made its way onto streaming platforms and is now accessible for those who may have missed its theatrical release. With less pressure to compete as “the new De Niro movie,” Levinson’s film might find a larger following among viewers seeking an immersive, well-loved crime drama featuring one of cinema’s greatest actors delivering some of his most diverse performances in recent years.

2025-06-06 15:07