I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
If ever there was a true example of a TV movie, then We’re Here To Help would be it. That’s not a cruel remark or a warning, but rather a justification that the work simply doesn’t have the extensive canvas or cinematic prowess that independent films should have. It’s cheap, simple, and rather modest. Just as well there’s a good story behind it.
In February 1994, Christchurch businessman Dave Henderson gets into a minor argument with the Inland Revenue Department. It escalates out of all proportion and the poor man finds himself losing money, his business and his family. The four-year David-and-Goliath battle takes him to the highest levels of Government.
Put this on Sunday night telly, and I’d watch it. Put it on at the cinema, and I’d get a bit bored. The story is interesting and really quite incredible considering it’s true. But the visual and artistic elements of the film are quite modest and ultimately let the whole thing down.
The mid-90s production design is great to a point, especially at one stage when David pulls out a brick-sized cellphone. But here, it also backfires in that the whole film looks like it was made a decade ago. It looks dated, and feels dated.
In fact, the most stylish thing in the whole film is the opening credits sequence. It’s modeled on an IRD form, and is cleverly animated to reveal the names of the key crew members. It’s a shame that such visual style stops so abruptly once the actual film begins. There is one particularly awkward attempt at making the film more cinematic – David is driving to the IRD office and the editing is jumpy in a futile attempt to create some sort of excitement. This ‘NYPD Blue’ sequence lasts for about ten seconds, and the only effect it actually creates is one of embarrassment.
Erik Thomson, who plays David, is an ‘everyman’; perhaps too much so. David is determined, pugnacious and driven, but not someone who I’d really want to meet. Every character actor in New Zealand gets a shot on screen too, with mixed results. Michael Hurst gives a good portrayal of feisty MP Rodney Hide – the make-up looks silly, but the character is likeable.
The sets are boring, and the whole film looks really studio-bound. Every so often there will be an exterior shot – the Beehive! Outside the office building! Walking along a road! But overall the effect is less convincing than on Shortland Street.
We’re Here To Help is more than decent. A good story manages to overcome the cheap visuals and rather bland style. But only just.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
THompson who plays Dave Rafter in packed to the rafters does a good job of playing a man being witchhunted by the Ird and after many many battles and with the help Of Mp Rodney King wins .A very good kiwi film that everybody can relate to
I watched this good film because I moved to Christchurch in the late 90's and can remember all this happening in the news. But also because I love the guy that portrayed Dave. It showed that those mongrels at the IRD are not trustworthy, are completely incompetent and do their best to destroy hard working, everyday NZ'rs. A true story, well done.
Catch it on TV.
well directed, well written, well acted! a classic new zealand film which tells an important story while entertaining all who see it.
I loved this film. It showed perseverance against an organisation that really are just after peoples money. As a former employee of the IRD, I thought it was about time someone stuck it to them. No one deserves to be treated that way and I'm glad the tax department got what was coming to them. Well done Mr Henderson, and kudos to the cast and crew.
1/2 This could have been an incredibly dull movie about tax. Instead, it's a tense journey into one man's all too real bureaucratic nightmare...
1/2 Brisk and entertaining...
You could go to We’re Here To Help because it could have happened to anyone, and because it did happen to someone. But you should go to We’re Here To Help because it is a very good movie. And if you need another reason, then consider this irony: tax-payers money went towards funding it. For a hint of egg on face, I’d say that’s the best money we’ll ever spend...
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 8th Nov 2007.
Release date: November 8th 2007.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
