Novocaine

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)

"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.

There have been several movies titled "Novocaine", one with Steve Martin as a dentist, but each is a different story, as this one is too.

Jack Quaid is the main character, Nate, about 30 and working at a bank. He has a particular condition, we find out about it when he is at lunch with a pretty co-worker. She offers him a bite of pie but he refused, he says "I can't eat solid food." The reason is, his genetic condition prevents him from feeling pain, if he eats solid food he could bite his tongue off and never feel it.

Eventually he relents, enjoys the bite of pie, but his condition plays a key role in the rest of the story.

At work one day, three men dressed in Santa costumes come in, display guns, announce they are there to rob the bank. Things get out of hand quickly, people are killed, there is a car chase, and much more blood and gore.

The main bad guy is Ray Nicholson, son of Jack, as Simon. I had not seen him before in a movie, he plays a despicable character and plays him well and with much vigor.

My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. Jack Quaid has to carry the movie and he does it very well. We were entertained but many scenes were so gore-filled that we found them difficult to watch. As a movie it isn't that good, but we were entertained.

A dark comedy that might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you're able to suspend belief and just go with the absurdity of the situations, Novocaine delivers a decent amount of entertainment.

The pacing is strong, with the film keeping a brisk pace that never lingers too long on one thing. It's filled with bizarre twists that are often more laughable than believable, but that's part of its fun. The performances are engaging in a way that helps you overlook the more painful elements.

Ultimately, if you're in the mood for something offbeat with a good pace and a laughable yet strangely compelling plot, Novocaine might be worth checking out. Just don't expect anything too grounded or serious.

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!!!