Novocaïne

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.

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)

Novocaine has an interesting concept, some half decent acting, and a decent script. Everything centres around a mild mannered introverted type of guy, Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) that cannot feel pain - "congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP)" - and the comical opportunities that arise from this.

It sort of reminds me of Wolverine's "Regenerative Healing Factor" but dialed down for a more everyday guy. With the wolverine films you get to see numerous funny scenarios that exhibit his regeneration abilities. This film is a bit similar to that.

Is this film especially groundbreaking? No. Does it have inconsistencies? Yes, certain painful stimuli should cause serious injury regardless of whether Novocaine feels anything or not. Is it a fun 1hr 50? Mostly, yes. But it felt as if they could have concluded things earlier than they did. Overall I'd give it a light recommendation.

7/10.

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.

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.