I Wish I Were Stephanie V

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.

What I love most about Stephanie V were the 3 female character and their intertwining stories and relations. It is great to see female characters further developed than the usual one-layer handbag view we usually get in mainstream movies- I would have even loved to know more! Chloe is fantastic at writing romantic comedies- the story is alive with characters you recognise and situations we find ourselves in too often. It is a positive and uplifting movie, where romance and love is not always an easy experience but in the end always worth it for what it shows us about ourselves. I saw people leaving I Wish I was Stephanie V with smiles on their faces- this is certainly something we want more of with the Australian cinema experience! Go Chloe!

As a fellow Greek I have to say I absolutely loved this movie. It had splashes of My Big Fat Greek Wedding but with a teen film, girly romance angle to it. The most lovable character is the totally full on Greek grandmother Yaya - played by Jill Mckay who is truly awesome. In some scenes I laughed till I cried. Matrix star Clayton Watson can be recognised as playing the Greek boy hearttrhob - which suits him to a T. Clayton looks so Greek. And newcomer Chloe Traicos plays the lead role of the gawky but sweet, abrasive , but lovable - heroine. Dani Crane and Aimee Falzon are both wonderful in their supporting roles of the two best friends. Dani Crane being the irresistible Stephanie V who everyone wants to be. ( But who has a terrible secret …. No spoilers not telling. You need to see the film)

From what I know so far this film has only screened at festivals. I'm hoping it will get a cinema release soon as its one I want to take my entire Big Fat Greek Family too. On the whole a really good sweet and enjoyable film all round.

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.

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!!