Robert De Niro has starred in some of the greatest gangster movies ever, from The Godfather Part II to Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, Casino and The Irishman.

Naturally, we were excited when it was announced that the 81-year-old would play a duel role as real-life New York mobsters Vito Genovese and Frank Costello in The Alto Knights, written by Goodfellas’ Nicholas Pileggi.

And De Niro being joined by Sopranos, Goodfellas and The Irishman alumni, Debra Messing and Katherine Narducci, only added to this.

Yet tragically the resulting film from Rain Main’s Barry Levinson is a lacklustre effort considering the talent on offer.

The Alto Knights is mainly set in 1957 when Vito ordered a hit on Frank, only for the latter to survive. Confusing and convoluted editing, alongside a dull script full of scenes that outstay welcome, then dragged the viewer back through the mafia bosses’ history before dealing with the aftermath in the present. To be fair, this disappointing effort does improve in the second half, with De Niro doing most of the heavy lifting in an impressive duel performance.

There’s just about enough action and somewhat engaging set pieces to keep your attention throughout the two-hour flick. However, it feels like there was a much better movie in here somewhere. We just couldn’t help thinking throughout: “I wish Scorsese were directing.”

The Alto Knights is released in cinemas on March 21, 2025.