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!

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.

This movie is the BEST!!! Told through the eyes of an immature Greek girl, Helen Andridis ( Chloe Traicos) it follows the lives of 3 very strong young ethnic Australian women and their trials and tribulations of trying to fit into society while their families attempt to make them hold on to their cultural identity. Helen the Greek girl, whose only love in life is tennis. However her Yaya ( Jill Mckay) wants nothing but for her to marry a nice Greek boy. Naz ( Aimee Falzon) a Pakistani girl, Helen's best friend who falls in love with an Australian boy going against the wishes of her ultra strict family who have an arranged marriage prepared. And of course the beautiful Eurasian Stephanie V. A girl who seemingly has everything but is really harboring a terrible secret.

This film is in the mold of Juno. Funny but sad. Over the top but real. It makes you laugh and cry and realize not everything is as it first appears.

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!!

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.