The Alto Knights

Preoccupied with its convoluted plot, The Alto Knights underdevelops drama and themes. While it contains significant American history that could be useful social commentary, it washes over viewers as a parade of dry facts. This is because the writing tells rather than shows. Its central conflict should've been a compelling fallen friendship tragedy, but that backstory is relegated to exposition. This lacking intimacy creates a fundamental void in the script, muting everything around it. Even when the acting provides natural chemistry, motivation, and internal intensity, their emotions are distant plus one-note. Consequently, The Alto Knights feels like a rough outline.

The Alto Knights is proficient yet dull. The cinematography has stark lighting as well as passing composition, but struggles to impact. Although there are flashy inserts, intercuts, and montages, its editing generates no momentum. Despite questionable voiceovers, brief action plus subjective distortions enrich the soundscape. Its music buoys mediocre scoring with fitting needle drops. An era and lifestyle are conveyed through the production design. Its cast is defined by De Niro's double billing, which is simply distracting. Along with solid makeup and spotty CGI violence, the effects digitally copy De Niro convincingly. Ultimately, The Alto Knights isn't memorable.

Writing: 4/10

Direction: 5/10

Cinematography: 7/10

Acting: 7/10

Editing: 5/10

Sound: 7/10

Score/Soundtrack: 6/10

Production Design: 7/10

Casting: 6/10

Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 6.1/10

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