Originally titled Wise Guys, The Alto Knights signifies a return to cinematic storytelling for seasoned professionals, producer Irwin Winkler at 92 and director Barry Levinson at 82. This film is predominantly crafted by individuals in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, which is not inherently negative. However, the conventional nature of the narrative highlights that, even in 2025, the majority of films continue to be produced by older men. Naturally, a film like The Alto Knights Flixtor cannot avoid clichés, as the gangster lifestyle itself is steeped in them. The story begins with an assassination attempt on Costello (De Niro), who, despite knowing the identity of the assailants, refuses to disclose their names to the police and federal agents who gather around his hospital bed following his recovery from a gunshot wound to the head.