Versace’s ‘Beverly Hill Bandits’ at local theaters

Staff report

“Beverly Hills Bandits,” the latest movie by Vitaliy Versace, opens this weekend in select theaters, including two in the Mahoning Valley.

The comedy film – a takeoff on “Home Alone” – will be screened at Movies 8 in Boardman at 4:50 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. daily through Thursday, and at Encore Cinema in Niles at 4:50 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. today, at 4:50 p.m. Sunday, and at 2 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Versace is a screenwriter and director who splits his time between Cleveland and Los Angeles. He has shot movies in the Youngstown area in the past and often works with Valley residents.

Josh Menning of Leetonia co-directed “Beverly Hills Bandits” with Versace. Paul Gustovich and David Walker, both of Niles, were co-producers.

The film parallels “Home Alone” in plot and style: a child is inadvertently left alone in his home after his parents leave town, and must defend himself from two bungling burglars.

Hollywood actor Ron Jeremy plays a criminal who is helping the two bandits.

Eric Roberts, an Oscar nominated actor, is the executive producer and also plays the role of the detective.

The cast also includes Natasha Alam, Stephen Chang, Desarae A. Dotson, Stephen Todt and Steve Froehlich. “Beverly Hills Bandits” was written by Philip David Lee and Greg Williams.

Versace said that his production company, Versace Entertainment, is always on the lookout for Ohio filmmakers who have a film in progress but have run out of money. Last year, he helped six filmmakers finish their projects.

“If they run out of money, we can jump in,” said Versace. “They will still own the project, but we just want to be in the situation and can offer some financing.”

To reach Versace, email him at versaceent@gmail.com.