The box office has started the year 2025 with a shaky performance, and Barry Levinson's latest film, The Alto Knights, is no exception. Released on March 21, 2025, this ambitious project features legendary actor Robert De Niro in a dual role, but it has struggled to capture the attention of audiences. Opening on the same weekend as Disney's highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White, The Alto Knights finished a disappointing sixth at the domestic box office.
Despite its star power and the legacy of its director, the film's box office numbers tell a grim story. Debuting in 2,651 theaters, The Alto Knights grossed just $3 million in its opening weekend against a hefty production budget of $50 million. With its worldwide earnings now at $5 million—$3.1 million from the domestic market and $1.9 million from international—this performance has led many to label it one of the most underwhelming starts of 2025.
The film's narrative centers on a power struggle between two notorious mob bosses in the 1950s, played by De Niro as Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. Critics have swiftly dissected the film, arguing that it falls into a repetitive cycle of mob movie tropes that fail to innovate. As noted by Aidan Kelley in his review for Collider, "There doesn't seem to be any clear reason why Vito Genevese couldn't have been played by one of the many great heavies who have played villainous mobsters on countless occasions, making this all feel more like a gimmick than anything else." Such sentiments echo a broader sentiment among critics, who view the dual lead role as an unnecessary distraction rather than a clever plot device.
While critics were harsh, the audience reception has been somewhat more generous. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Alto Knights holds a 38% approval rating from critics, contrasted by a more favorable 70% score from general audiences. Many viewers appreciate De Niro's performance and the film's historical components, even if some critiques on pacing and plot coherence remain. Mary Kessel from ScreenRant aptly summarizes the divided reception, stating, "If you're looking for Robert De Niro's next great role, this tired gangster movie is sure to disappoint... Fans of De Niro and the gangster movie will have fun with this addition to the genre, but they won't find anything new in its well-tread story."
In addition to De Niro, the cast includes notable actresses and actors such as Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli, James Ciccone, and Matt Servitto, who contribute to the backdrop of this mafia tale. However, even with a well-rounded ensemble, the film's execution has left many feeling underwhelmed. The film's runtime of 120 minutes doesn't aid the cause, as pacing complaints have arisen from both critics and audiences alike.
As The Alto Knights continues its run in theaters, industry analysts are now looking to its future box office performance. The disappointment in its opening weekend raises significant concerns about its longevity in theaters. The film's ability to recoup its substantial budget amidst tepid reviews and a saturated market filled with high-profile releases will be a pressing topic in the entertainment world in the coming weeks.
In a climate where audiences are eager for fresh narratives, The Alto Knights may struggle against the well-oiled machine of major blockbusters. With the theatrical landscape continually shaped by franchise films and beloved reboots, Levinson's project might not have the resilience to stand out. As the business of movies adjusts to changing viewer dynamics and preferences, the summer may come with further challenges for films like The Alto Knights.
It’s evident that the film industry, much like De Niro's storied career, is always evolving. The lessons learned from The Alto Knights will likely ripple through discussions on how filmmakers can tackle familiar themes in innovative ways, and whether major stars need an edge beyond their name recognition to capture audiences moving forward.
