“Novocaine” starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder combines action sequences with dark humor while adding superhero-like silliness. The film offers several entertaining scenes but isn’t an entertainment masterpiece by any sense.
The Plot: A Pain-Free Predicament
Jack Quaid portrays Nathan Caine who seems like a regular bank assistant manager but possesses the unusual ability to be pain-free due to some rare medical condition he was born with. The character’s ability establishes a framework where increasingly strange occurrences unfold. A bank robbery changes Nathan’s life when his colleague and romantic interest Sherry becomes a hostage. Nathan starts an intense pursuit of the bank robbers to save her.
The movie successfully steers clear of conventional superhero origin story conventions. Nathan is presented as a regular man caught in exceptional events which was a nice spin to the plot.
Critical Review: Entertainment with a Grain of Salt
“Novocaine” certainly delivers on the entertainment front. Despite its outlandish and bumpy storyline, the plot succeeds in maintaining my interest. The film features multiple impressive fight sequences combined with dark comedic elements which I actually enjoyed.
The high level of violence and graphic scenes within the film stands as an important consideration before you go see it. The fight scenes maintain visual interest through creative cinematography yet present an overwhelming amount of violence where at times seemed gruesome to me and I had to cover my eyes. True story!
Overall Impression: Two Out of Five Stars
“Novocaine” delivers genuine entertainment during some scenes. It’s “dumb” but entertaining while it does not contain elements that will earn it awards.
2 out of 5 stars.
