Review: We’re Here To Help

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.