“Novocaine” Review
Jack Quaid stars as a man who feels no pain thrust into an incredibly set of dangerous circumstances in “Novocaine”.
With so many action films consisting of sequels, remakes and assorted adaptations of popular IPs, I was shocked to discover that “Novocaine” is a completely original film. With the star power the film has along with some impressive action sequences, it seems like an anomaly that a studio would allow this spectacle attached to this kind of film. Yet, here “Novocaine” is and with a strong sense of fun and heart, this action comedy is too charming to turn away.
Afflicted with a condition that allows him to not feel pain (or other sensations like heat or cold), Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is a shy assistant bank manager whose luck starts to turn around when he begins dating a coworker named Sherry (Amber Midthunder) who encourages him to get out of his comfort zone with his disability. But when the bank they work for is robbed and Sherry is taken as a hostage, Nathan uses his condition to his advantage by tracking down the thieves so he can rescue the woman he loves.
After playing such a pathetic ass in “Companion”, Jack Quaid brings a far more likable persona to the role of Nathan Caine while remaining consistently entertaining and endearing. Instantly likable as this dorky but well-meaning man, Quaid is able to hold the crowd’s interest as he slowly becomes a pretty badass character. Despite his condition often having comedic uses in the film’s action scenes, “Novocaine” also addresses some of the harsher realities of his life like how he eats his food liquified since he can’t feel what is in his mouth. And even if he can’t feel pain, Nathan is still very much able to die and the beating he takes over the course of the film is nothing short of brutal.
I also respect just how much time the film takes to set up the romance between Nathan and Sherry that will drive this story. You become enthralled with the chemistry of Quaid and Midthunder not only because it’s an adorable relationship but also because it gives “Novocaine” tremendous purpose. Along with other notable names like Ray Nicholson as the leader of the gang of thieves and Jacob Batalon as Nathan’s best friend who joins him on his mission to rescue Sherry, the film’s cast doesn’t have a weak link with every character bringing forth a lot of passion to the film’s exciting and hilarious tone.
Taking advantage of “Novocaine’s” excellent premise, directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen work with an excellent team of stunt performers and special effects artists to craft some gnarly action sequences. The creativity used in injuring Nathan and his adversaries is on full display and there will be plenty of times watching “Novocaine” where you find yourself grabbing your arm or leg in a pain of solidarity while also smiling at the overall silliness of the whole film.
Equally delivering on both action and laughs, “Novocaine” makes for an excellent time spent at the movies if for no other reason than to see what it would be like if Jack Quaid were to be cast as the Wolverine in a possible adaptation of the comic book character. By not taking itself too seriously while also having plenty of focus towards the dilemmas of its characters, “Novocaine” is a satisfying watch for anyone looking for a film well-balanced with danger and comedy.
