Sometimes despite having all the right ingredients a project fails to come together. That’s the case with The Alto Knights, a high-profile film that opened March 21. The film is written by Nicholas Pileggi, who scripted both Casino and Goodfellas, and features Robert De Niro is a dual lead role.

It’s based on the true story of Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, who grew up together in New York and ended up involved in Organized Crime. Genovese killed a couple guys, which forced him to flee to Europe. That left control of the organization to Costello, who preferred to keep a lower profile.

When Genovese returned, delayed by the outbreak of World War II, it was a different city. His over-the-top and violent methods clashed with the way things operated in his absence. That combined with Costello’s more cool and detached style created a rift between the two. Despite their long history and friendship, they clashed.

When that clash turns violent, it forces Costello to reconsider his methods to safeguard the future for himself and his wife (Debra Messing). Can he out maneuver his old friend before it’s too late?

This is a novel concept that has a decent cast. In addition to De Niro and Messing, the film features Cosmo Jarvis, Michael Rispoli, and Wallace Langham, among others. The period look works decently here, too. The film is set in and around 1957, crafting a different kind of New York that feels like a strong throwback to films like The Godfather.

It’s all directed by Barry Levinson, who has given us classic dramas and classic period pieces. The ingredients are all there. And yet, this comes out flat as a pancake from the jump. It looks good, it has the right elements, and it has potential. But none of that coalesces into something interesting or engaging.

The novelty of De Niro in a dual role wears thin quickly. The back-and-forth between Costello and Genovese is more cerebral than it should be to pull you in. We get subplots about Congressional investigations and more. Still, none of it feels fully explored. Even the Third Act, when Costello puts his plan in motion, doesn’t feel fully fleshed out.

Instead, we’re left with a well crafted snoozefest. Everyone involved is capable of better, and you’re better off not wasting your time or money seeing this on the big screen.

The Alto Knights is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.