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We're Here To Help 2007
One day in 1994, Dave Henderson (Thomson) strolled up to the tax department in Christchurch and told one of the ratty little taxmen off. Earlier that day, the taxman had made suggestive comments to Dave's ladyfriend (Smith). And so the IRD decided to make life difficult for Dave, with endless audits, red tape and legal complexities. Dave fought them though, losing his girlfriend, house & business in the process. Eventually he sought help at government level, with ACT bulldog Rodney Hide (Hurst).
Starring Miriama Smith, Erik Thomson, Michael Hurst, John Leigh, Peter Elliott, Greg Johnson
Directed by Jonothan Cullinane (feature debut)
Written by Jonothan Cullinane (based on the book 'Be Very Afraid' by Dave Henderson)
Drama, True Story, Adaptation | 1hr 25mins | Rated (PG) | contains course language | Origin: New Zealand
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Flicks review
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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
The Peoples voice
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Thank Goodness Dave Henderson persevered
5
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.
By lindylou
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Perfection? You must be joking...
2
Catch it on TV.
By Bob
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perfection
5
well directed, well written, well acted! a classic new zealand film which tells an important story while entertaining all who see it.
By ella
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About bloody time!
5
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.
By Anyanka
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Great stuff!
5
This is an example of what could happen to anyone and it
resonated with common sense and very good acting.The production values are good, too. Full marks to the makers and to the actors.By Julian
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Great
4
based on the true David henderson story we learn in this film how the buraucracy can and does address it's attentions in ways that are contrary to their role. And there are often the personalities within that the power of their positions leads to the immoral and unethical. thankfully, there comes along preiodically a Dave Henderson that calls them to account.
Whilst some of the acting may have been wanting, this story woould not have suited a Hollywood glossy production.By Anne
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the flicks trailers do this film justice
4
Having now seen the film, my recommendation (based on the flicks trailers) stands. Not your typical production really, perhaps even a bit hammish in parts but then perhaps that reflects the IRD's methods and processes.
Thank God Dave Henderson did stand up. His costs are the restof us's gain.By Brian
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Good v's evil
4
This movie was great in that it makes anyone watching feel better about their dealings with IRD, and hopeful IRD have upped their game a bit now.
The characters were very clearly either good or bad, and almost comical in that exaggeration. The movie was obviously a New Zealand film with the actors and acting, and it was interesting to see how much things have changed over the past 10-15 years.
It was very watchable with little swearing and no violence. Time went fast, and no-one was bored.
The opening credits looked great, with various IRD forms containing the details.
Overall, good entertainment, an enjoyable experience that we can and have recommended to all sorts. We can't imagine anyone not enjoying this.
By Tony & Tania
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Inspiring!
5
Great story told well. Inspiring!
By PC
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3
We're Here To Help is in many ways quite an average film... the Flicks comment that its like Shortland Street is quite accurate, has that very underwhelming feel to it (but the Flicks comment that the IRD title sequence is 'clever'??? - are you kidding???).
But... it holds up because its a NZ story, and a true one. The story is interesting enough, and the performances good enough. I'd still recommend it.By KLOmergh
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Based on the Flicks trailers...and factual basis...
4
this is a movie every NZ businessperson, wannabe businessperson, maybe someday selfemployed should be sure NOT to miss.
By brian
Press Reviews
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The Christchuch Press [Margaret Agnew]
3 3 out of 5 stars
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...
Click to read the full review -
The Dominion Post [Graeme Tuckett]
3 3 out of 5 stars
1/2 Brisk and entertaining...
Click to read the full review -
The Lumi?re Reader [Wellington]
4 4 out of 5 stars
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...
Click to read the full review
