I Wish I Were Stephanie V

This film had me screaming with laughter from the first moment. It tells the story of nerd Helen Andridis ( Brilliantly played by Chloe Traicos) her unrequited passion for Jimmy ( played by the gorgeous Clayton Watson) - her jealousy of the beautiful Stephanie V ( Dani Crane) and the trials and tribulations she shares with her best friend Naz ( Aimee Falzon) Helen's only interest in life is tennis - and Jimmy who her adorable grandmother ( outstandingly played by Jill Mckay) is forever hoping she'll marry. However Helen is too much of a geek to handle it and Jimmy soon falls for the beautiful Stephanie - Uh oh. Greek tragedy Number One. Both Yaya and Jimmy's mother think it is the biggest disaster ever.... and to Helen at first it is..... But ....there's still tennis, Naz, Naz's romance with the lovable quirky Brendan ( another brilliant performance - Kain O' Keefe) and then.... Helen falls in love..... This is technically a girlie film but have to admit all the guys in the audience seemed to love it (including myself - and I was forced to attend the screening) Really hope it goes far! It deserves to!

Have to say as an Independent Comedy Nerd I absolutely enjoyed this wonderful movie. I saw it in New York a few years back and have been trying to get it on DVD but to no avail. It tells the story of 3 girls from 3 different cultural backgrounds living in Australia. Each girl has her own problems struggling with what is expected of her from her family and socially. This is especially seen with the character of Naz - a Muslim girl expected to marry a much older man and instead she falls for a much younger Australian boy. And with Helen - the Greek tennis nerd who has her heart set on the unobtainable Jimmy but then who unexpectedly falls for the macho Jewish stud - Tony. The story is a beautiful coming of age piece about the lives of these 3 girls and the unexpected twists and turns their lives take. And of course there is the element of tragedy when Helen realizes that the exquisitely beautiful Stephanie's life is far from perfect. The cast is superb. I especially like the larger than life Jill Mckay as Yaya. As well as Chloe Traicos who does a great job playing the nerdy Helen. Altogether a really enjoyable piece.

I saw "I wish I were Stephanie V" without knowing anything about the film, except that it was promoted to be a so called "Chick Flick". I found much more in this film than superficial rivalry between women. The characters, both male and female, were all richly developed and I really cared what happened to them throughout the story. The script gave scope to each individual's story and the circumstances that molded their character and situation. I could connect with them all on some level, despite age, gender or ethnicity. And that was another aspect that this film handled well, the complexity of the multi-cultural societies we all live in, and how important it is not to "judge a book by its cover". An engaging and entertaining film for everyone to see.

One of the best Feel Good Films I've seen in a long time. Done on a tiny budget this film keeps you engrossed in the characters and story from start to finish. Its one of those movies where you don't need stars or 35ml film to make it a success it succeeds all on its own. To me the most outstanding actress was the flamboyant Jill Mckay who plays the role of the Greek grandmother. She is brilliant in the role. Both hilarious and moving in the performance she gives. Chloe Traicos is awesome as her nerdy grand daughter. And Kain O'Keeffe definitely wins " Most Likable" in his role as the homeless but lovable Brendan. Would love to see this again.

I was fortunate to attend the the preview of this film recently at the WOW film Festival. The film about the coming-of-age of 3 girls from very different cultural back-grounds is a must see.

The film is fresh, funny & witty with some serious underlying themes & includes some dramatic, moving and heart-breaking moments.

The cast is sensational. Outstanding are Jill McKay in the hilarious role of an overbearing Greek Ya-Ya, beauteous Aimee Falzon as Naz, an overprotected Pakistani Girl, and the stunning Dani Crane not only shows true athleticism as the tennis champ, Stephanie V, but also delivers an emotive & heart-wrenching performance.

I highly recommend this movie!!