Wog Boy Review

It is the creation of star co-writer and co-producer Nick Giannopoulos, co-writer Chris Anastassiades and director Aleksi Vellis... Working thematically with material he`s been familiar with over the years Giannopoulos introduces us to Steve, the son of Greek immigrant parents, who, from his first day at school is dubbed `wog boy`. Instead of being crushed by the experience he embraces this identity and lives it to the fullest. As an adult he`s on the dole and after he runs foul of the Minister for Employment, Geraldine Turner, he`s targeted by Derryn Hinch`s television programme as a dole bludger, his reposte on the same programme makes him famous... he`s now cool... but is he cool enough for the Minister`s PR person Celia - (Lucy Bell) ? This is ethnic comedy at its most charming, largely because of Giannopoulos` likeable presence on screen. He`s ably supported by Vince Colosimo as his randy mate Frankie and by Abi Tucker, Celia`s sister, whose libido is more than a match for Frankie`s. It`s in your face comedy on occasions, with language to match, but it has a really decent heart and while the comedy is short on wit, the characters are engaging. I had a thoroughly good time with this rather classic romantic comedy... a genre that`s rarely successful in Australian films...