Numbingly bland ‘Novocaine’ is a painful action-comedy misfire in 2025.
Table of Contents
“Novocaine,” directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, is an action-comedy that attempts to blend humor with high-octane sequences. Starring Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine, a man with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA), the film explores his journey from a mundane bank assistant manager to an unlikely hero. Despite its intriguing premise, “Novocaine” falls short, delivering a nondescript experience that leaves little impact.
Plot Overview Numbingly bland
Nathan Caine leads a cautious life, shielded from the typical human experience of pain due to his rare condition. His routine existence is disrupted when a bank robbery ensnares his colleague and romantic interest, Sherry, played by Amber Midthunder. Driven by a desire to protect her, Nathan embarks on a mission filled with intense and gory scenes, reminiscent of the “John Wick” movies, but with a comedic twist. citeturn0news11
Performances Numbingly bland
Jack Quaid’s portrayal of Nathan captures the essence of a well-meaning but hapless individual thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His comedic timing offers moments of levity amidst the chaos. Amber Midthunder complements Quaid’s performance, bringing depth to Sherry’s character. However, the chemistry between the leads feels underdeveloped, limiting the emotional engagement of the audience.
Direction and Tone
Berk and Olsen’s direction attempts to balance action-packed sequences with comedic elements. While the film showcases inventive action set pieces that are alternately gruesome, goofy, and sometimes both, the tonal inconsistencies are evident. The transition between intense violence and humor is jarring, making it challenging for viewers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. citeturn0search4
in 2025.
“Novocaine,” directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, is an action-comedy that attempts to blend humor with high-octane sequences. Starring Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine, a man with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA), the film explores his journey from a mundane bank assistant manager to an unlikely hero. Despite its intriguing premise, “Novocaine” falls short, delivering a nondescript experience that leaves little impact.
Plot Overview Numbingly bland
Nathan Caine leads a cautious life, shielded from the typical human experience of pain due to his rare condition. His routine existence is disrupted when a bank robbery ensnares his colleague and romantic interest, Sherry, played by Amber Midthunder. Driven by a desire to protect her, Nathan embarks on a mission filled with intense and gory scenes, reminiscent of the “John Wick” movies, but with a comedic twist. citeturn0news11
Script and Pacing Numbingly bland
The screenplay, penned by Lars Jacobson, introduces a high-concept premise but struggles with execution. Despite the unique angle, “Novocaine” feels as risk-averse as its protagonist, hesitant to fully embrace its action-comedy potential or delve into darker, more satirical territories. citeturn0search9 The pacing is uneven, with certain sequences dragging on, leading to a runtime that feels longer than necessary.
Visuals and Cinematography Numbingly bland
The film’s cinematography is competent, with Jacques Jouffret capturing the chaotic energy of the action sequences. However, the overuse of stylized visuals and rapid editing becomes overwhelming, detracting from the clarity of the scenes. While intended to heighten excitement, these choices often result in visual fatigue.
Critical Reception
Critics have been divided in their assessments of “Novocaine.” The film holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some reviews highlighting its inventive action sequences and Quaid’s performance. However, others note that the film’s tonal inconsistencies make it a challenging watch. citeturn0news13 Metacritic reflects this divide, assigning the film a score of 58 out of 100, indicating mixed reviews. citeturn0search9
Conclusion
“Novocaine” had the potential to offer a fresh take on the action-comedy genre, leveraging its unique premise and capable cast. However, the execution falls short, resulting in a film that is neither compelling nor memorable. While certain elements show promise, the overall experience is marred by tonal inconsistencies and pacing issues. For viewers seeking a seamless blend of action and comedy, “Novocaine” may not fully satisfy expectations.
