Novocaine Review: A Thrilling Concept That Misses the Mark
Meet Nathan Caine, the man who feels absolutely no pain. This droll premise serves as the foundation for Novocaine, a wild action-comedy that settles comfortably into amusing yet unremarkable territory. Starring Jack Quaid, known for his witty portrayal of Hughie in The Boys, this film plunges into an absurd rescue mission that promises high-stakes adventure, while ultimately landing somewhere between okay and forgettable.
A Zany Concept
In a world where pain and danger are part of the thrill, Nathan’s congenital insensitivity becomes a double-edged sword. The tagline, "He can’t feel pain," is both striking and indicative of the film’s offbeat charm. Much like the frenetic energy seen in Crank, Novocaine seeks to deliver an adrenaline-packed ride filled with unexpected hijinks, albeit with a more muted execution.
Nathan Caine, portrayed effortlessly by Quaid, is a sympathetic everyman who is thrust into chaos after bank robbers invade his workplace. His romantic interest, Shari, played by Amber Midthunder, is swiftly taken hostage, prompting him to rise to the occasion. But can a man who feels no pain truly face down armed criminals?
The Hero’s Journey
As the storyline unfolds, Nathan morphs from a mild-mannered credit union assistant to an unlikely hero. His character remains relatable, engaging viewers as he navigates the increasingly perilous situations thrust upon him. There’s an endearing quality in his naïveté—his gamer tag, MagicNateBall, adds a whimsical touch to his persona.
However, it becomes clear that the film flirts with inspiration but doesn’t fully commit. While Nathan becomes a pin cushion for a variety of injuries—including an arrow through the leg and a cheeky bullet retrieval—these moments elicit more mild chuckles than genuine laughter. The creators, Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, have interesting ideas, but they often miss the mark, leading to comedy that only elicits snickers instead of hearty guffaws.
Action With Potential
Action sequences in Novocaine offer flashes of creativity but can rarely be described as groundbreaking. Quaid’s performance is commendable; he navigates physical comedy and fight choreography with a charm that keeps the audience’s attention. Nonetheless, the overall action feels lackluster, generating more approving nods than fist-pumping enthusiasm.
In an unfortunate twist, Amber Midthunder, who gained recognition for her dynamic role in Prey, is relegated to playing a damsel-in-distress—a missed opportunity for both the actress and the film. Despite a clever plot twist in the second act that adds depth to her role, her character is still underutilized.
A Missed Opportunity
While Novocaine kicks off with promise, it ultimately becomes a race to mediocrity. Its soundtrack features familiar tunes like R.E.M.’s "Everybody Hurts" and The Darkness’s "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," further contributing to the film’s uninspired vibe. With a premise this rich in potential, it’s disheartening to see the film land in the realm of "just okay."
Final Thoughts
Novocaine presents itself as a thrilling adventure with a unique premise, yet it stumbles in execution. The promise of an audacious ride is dulled by a reluctance to fully explore its comedic and action-packed possibilities. Ultimately, it settles into a largely painless viewing experience—one that could have been far more enjoyable.
For those seeking a light, escapist film, Novocaine might scratch that itch, but don’t expect it to linger as a memorable classic. Pass the anaesthetic.
