Novocaine

Nate, also known by his childhood nickname Novocaine, lives with CIPA, a condition that means he cannot feel any pain, but also lives a somewhat quiet life. Things get better for Nate when he meets Sherry, and begins to fall in love with her, unfortunately during a robbery she is kidnapped, he does whatever it takes to get her back.

I can't lie, I was looking forward to this, the storyline really did appeal to me, I love the idea of CIPA being used as a plot device, a nice idea, unfortunately it doesn't quite work.

It's an action thriller come black comedy, the trouble is it doesn't know what it wants to be, and it blurs between daft, violent thriller and lame attempt to copy Die Hard.

The shoot 'em up sequences were so bad, once again we have Police who have issues with aiming guns, it just feels daft, with poor Nate slotted in as some sort of mortal superhero.

Jack Quaid is actually really good, I hate dissing the film because he puts in a good performance, but he's up against it with a weak script and confused narrative.

There are some further positives, the tattoos are immense, I'll say that, truly a work of art and the movie's general pacing is good, it does actually move by quickly, sadly it's all a bit jumbled.

5/10.

Novocaine meaningfully shows the extent you would go to save who you care about. It's filled with hopes, amid lots of action that could easily annihilate the underdog at any moment. There's some romance, more violence, and much more audience concern for the wellbeing of the intended rescuer. As part of displaying heartless crime, be forewarned that Novacaine lacks positive humor. The twists and reveals are nicely unpredictable, though.

Best seen with others for how many challenges and opportunities are dramatized. It's less about guessing what's next, and more about relating and somehow surviving, with the main character's hopes and standards intact.

6/10 STARS - Novocaine was on my list of most anticipated for the year, and I got the chance to watch it in early March for Regal's March 3rd Monday Mystery Movie. It stars Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder and is about a guy who can't feel physical pain/sensations who embarks on a rescue mission after the girl he likes is kidnapped during a bank robbery. There were several things to enjoy about this movie - the premise was interesting and it was comedic to see some of the situations he got himself into during his rescue mission. While I didn't hate this film, I wasn't super in love with it, which surprised me because the trailer made it look pretty fun. Part of the problem is, I think, the casting of Jack Quaid - who seems to play the same type of character in most of his roles - and the writing of the love interest could have probably been improved in ways to make her character a bit more likable. An unnecessary racially divisive line snuck in at the end was nonsensical too. But as a whole, I've seen worse movies, so I don't consider this a waste of my time. Just wish it could have been a bit better. Video review to come shortly.

If Novocaine wasn't so extremely violent and incredibly bloody, I would call it 'lighthearted': it's frivolous, humorous, a touch romantic and often ridiculous. And it's also quite a lot of fun.

Jack Quaid stars as assistant bank manager Nathan 'Novocaine' Caine, who, thanks to a rare genetic disorder, is unable to feel physical pain. When armed criminals rob the bank, taking Nate's new girlfriend Sherry (Amber Midthunder) hostage, he attempts to track down the gang and rescue the girl.

The film's gimmick - that mild-mannered Nathan can be shot, burnt, beaten and broken and not feel the effect - makes for a very entertaining action film, even if, truth be told, the humour doesn't always land. One might expect the novelty to quickly wear off, but writer Lars Jacobson manages to keep it from becoming stale, finding plenty of new and creative ways to inflict damage on his central character.

If you've caught the trailer, which revealed far too much, the impact of certain scenes will probably be diminished, but there is at least one major twist, which they thankfully didn't give away in the previews, that adds an extra level of interest to the story.

6.5 out of 10, rounded up to 7 for opening with Everybody Hurts by R. E. M. (although Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb would have worked as well).

I saw Novocaine early as this week's selection for Marcus's Mystery Movie. I had already planned on watching it so I was happy with the choice. And while I enjoyed the experience, it feels like most of the other 2025 releases I've seen: good but not great.

The premise is interesting and is used somewhat well. The action scenes are solid. The comedic attempts are hit or miss. I laughed at some but others fell flat. And my investment/engagement was... medium?

I can't fully explain why it didn't work better. Maybe it's because none of the aspects excel. Maybe it's because the entire cast outside of the lead is weak (most of them are TV actors, not movie actors).

I just didn't feel that spark. I definitely didn't mind watching it. But it's not something memorable that I see myself revisiting.

Hopefully 2025 can turn itself around because this is the worst start to the year I can remember.

P. S. Someone brought a noisy baby to my screening so my experience was a bit tainted. Some people are so inconsiderate.

(1 viewing, early screening Marcus Mystery Movie 3/3/2025)