Robert De Niro’s latest gangster film, The Alto Knights, starring the actor in dual leading roles, failed to connect with audiences during its theatrical release but will soon be available for Prime Video subscribers starting November 7. Despite De Niro’s established reputation in crime dramas and gangster movies, the film struggled at the box office, earning just $9 million globally against a substantial $45 million production budget.
The Alto Knights Faces a Disappointing Theater Run
After a decade away from directing, Barry Levinson’s return with The Alto Knights was highly anticipated, particularly because it drew from the talents of Goodfellas writer Nicholas Pileggi and featured De Niro playing both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. These real-life crime family bosses anchor the story as the film traces Costello’s attempt to withdraw from the gangster life amid growing suspicion and betrayal within his circle. Although rooted in historical events, the screenplay takes some dramatic liberties to enhance the narrative tension.
Warner Bros. invested heavily in this project, hoping the star power of De Niro would translate to box office success. Instead, the film’s reception was marred by harsh reviews and low ticket sales, marking it as a notable disappointment given the pedigree of everyone involved. Critics highlighted the movie’s sluggish pace and unnecessary subplots, which contributed to a viewing experience that felt longer and less engaging than expected.
Collider critic Aidan Kelley expressed frustration about the film’s storytelling, stating,
“Compared to another Robert De Niro-led gangster movie, The Irishman, The Alto Knights is about two and a half hours shorter. So why does it feel even longer than the infamously lengthy Scorsese caper? Abysmal pacing and a lot of pointless sequences. So many of Alto Knights’ dialogue sequences feel entirely aimless, with the characters going round and round in tedious circles before the plot takes a mere half-step forward. A lengthy subplot involving Genevese trying to take over a local club feels like it could have been chopped from the film entirely, especially since Costello spends almost the entirety of that time just watching TV.”
Aidan Kelley, critic
De Niro’s Unusual Dual Performance and Supporting Cast
One of the film’s most notable aspects is De Niro’s portrayal of both leading roles, a choice that set this movie apart from his earlier gangster classics such as The Godfather Part II, Once Upon a Time in America, The Untouchables, and Goodfellas. While unusual, De Niro managed to deliver distinct performances as both Costello and Genovese, highlighting the complex relationship between the two mob bosses as their alliance crumbles amid secret betrayals and power struggles.
The Alto Knights also assembled a strong ensemble cast to support De Niro. Debra Messing takes on the role of Bobbie Costello, bringing experience from her work on the television series Will & Grace. Other notable actors include Cosmo Jarvis, known for Lady Macbeth; Michael Rispoli from The Sopranos; Kathrine Narducci, who appeared in A Bronx Tale; Ed Amatrudo from Nashville; and James Ciccone, recognized for his work on The Deuce. Despite this talented lineup, the film’s narrative and pacing issues limited its overall impact.
Anticipation Builds for Streaming Release on Prime Video
Although The Alto Knights stumbled in theaters, its availability on Prime Video offers a second chance for audiences, especially fans loyal to De Niro’s crime drama legacy, to experience the film at home. With a release date set for November 7, subscribers will soon be able to assess the movie’s merits for themselves without the pressure of its theatrical performance affecting their expectations.
This streaming debut also reflects a growing trend where films that underperform at the box office find new audiences online, allowing them to be re-evaluated in different viewing environments. For Robert De Niro and filmmaker Barry Levinson, this could mean a broader appreciation over time, despite the initial disappointing reception.
