Novocaine sin dolor

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.

We caught Novocaine on Monday Mystery Movie night, and what a ride it was! Starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder, the film starts off almost like a RomCom in the first act-then the second act hits, and it's zoom zoom zoom from there.

This movie is absolutely bonkers, bringing to mind the chaotic energy of Crank (2006). It fully delivers on its promise of an R-rated action/thriller/comedy, with plenty of strong language and graphic violence.

It was definitely a good time, and I'd recommend it to fans of this kind of wild ride-though maybe not for the squeamish.

Enjoy it peeps!

Cheerio!!!

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.

Nate (Jack Quaid) is a mild-mannered bank employee with a genetic disorder. He can feel no pain. It sounds like a superpower, but the problem is that he can seriously injure himself without realising the fact. As a result he leads an extremely risk-averse life. All sharp edges in his home are padded, he avoids solid food for fear of biting his tongue in half, and he sets an alarm on his watch to remind him to go to the bathroom, because his bladder might burst if he forgets.

As a result, he lives a rather lonely life, playing video games with a friend he's never met face to face. That's until he falls for fellow employee Sherry (Amber Midthunder). Maybe things are looking up?

Then the bank is held up by three armed raiders, who get away with a lot of money plus a hostage - Sherry. Nate gives chase - leading him into a series of perils and adventures. He's not helped by the fact that the police aren't sure which side he's on.

The result is stupid (in a good way) but great fun, as Nate receives a series of increasingly-bizarre injuries without them slowing him down at all. There are enough twists to make things interesting, and enough comedy to make this film an enjoyable watch.

"Imagine if "Home Alone" grew up, got a medical condition that made it impervious to pain, and then decided to rescue a kidnapped crush by essentially becoming a human crash test dummy. Jack Quaid is fantastic as he takes every punch, stab, and vehicular impact like a champ, making you wince for him even as he's just shrugging it off. It's a good film for what it is overall. It's gloriously gory and surprisingly sweet. If you like your action with a side of "ouch, that's gotta hurt!" and a healthy dose of dark humor, then this one's for you. An 8/10 for making me feel all the pain so he didn't have to.