Novocaine slams into theaters on March 14.
By Elazar Abrahams
Novocaine is the kind of movie that reminds you why action comedies can be so much fun when they don’t take themselves too seriously. While there are a few notable issues that hold it back from being great, it delivers humor, excitement, and some impressively gnarly action setpieces. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s undeniably an enjoyable night at the theater.
The film follows Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), a mild-mannered bank executive with congenital insensitivity to pain, who finds himself thrown into a dangerous situation when his girlfriend, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped during a robbery. Forced to use his unusual condition to his advantage, Nathan takes on the criminals in a series of increasingly chaotic encounters. It’s a fun and original conceit that allows for some wild stuntwork and gross-out fight sequences, adding to the film’s offbeat charm.
Jack Quaid, as expected, is a delight. The Boys and Companion star brings his signature everyman charisma, making Nathan an endearing protagonist despite the absurdity of his situation. If there were ever any doubts, Novocaine further cements him as one of Hollywood’s most likable “nepo babies” in the best way possible. Ray Nicholson also shines as the film’s villain, bringing a mix of charm and menace that keeps the antagonistic side of the film engaging. The action is well-paced, and the setpieces are creative, keeping the film moving once it finally finds its footing.
However, Novocaine takes a while to get going. The early portions of the film meander a bit before the real fun kicks in. And while the movie is packed with high-energy sequences, its central romance is one of its weakest elements. Somehow, the relationship between Nathan and Sherry is both underdeveloped and overwritten, never striking the right balance between emotional investment and comedic flair. It’s an odd misfire that doesn’t quite derail the movie but does keep it from being more than just fun.
That said, Novocaine delivers where it counts. The fight scenes are brutal, the humor lands more often than not, and the film never overstays its welcome. It’s an easy, enjoyable watch that doesn’t ask too much from its audience — just to sit back and have a good time.
In sum, Novocaine is inconsequential but undeniably charming. It may not leave a lasting impact, but for an evening of action-packed entertainment, it more than does the job.
I give Novocaine a B+.
TV and City 