Novocaine - À Prova de Dor

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!!!

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)

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.

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.

Okay, this was a police drama suspense, but with comedy. Not a harpooning, nor a parody or spoof. Not sure I've ever seen anything like that before.

It is very cool the female lead, Amy Midthunder, is an actual member of the Sioux Tribe out of NM. A cutie pie and pretty good young actress. Very nice.

Okay, the premise gave us more than a clue as to some crazy stuff. It's was okay. Some of that funny. (Fingernail removal torture, and our lead having to fake Pain.) But the best? Don't know why, after our hero's video game buddy came to rescue him, when he ran out to escape on his buddy's Harley;, and they flashed the picture that Vespa, I laughed out loud. Not just a Vespa, but an old, used, dirty piece of junk that was "misfiring" on its only cylinder; and smoking like a chimney. His getaway attempt didn't last long. Pretty good slapstick that actually worked.

I didn't expect much from this movie. So since my expectations were low, it obviously exceeded them. The twist toward the end was pretty good.

Pretty good departure in many ways. I figure a 7 is a fair score.

Bob R.