Novocaine Review: Jack Quaid & Amber Midthunder’s Great Action Movie

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In the fast-paced, humorous film titled “Novocaine,” Jack Quaid embodies the role of Nathan Caine, a bank executive who has an unusual condition – he’s immune to pain due to his genetic makeup. As his work life intertwines with his personal life when he begins dating his colleague Sherry (Amber Midthunder), their world is turned upside down when the bank is robbed and Sherry is kidnapped. With his unique condition acting as a hidden strength, Nathan must spring into action, tracking down the perpetrators, rescuing Sherry, and ultimately saving the day.

Among this year’s films, Novocaine might just be the most unexpected delight, demonstrating remarkable skill in crafting an engaging action flick from start to finish. It’s no small feat to create a fresh action movie these days, but this film manages to do so by offering a unique twist on familiar themes. Initially, the story seems to follow a typical damsel-in-distress plotline, but the way the narrative develops is nothing short of extraordinary. Most action heroes have some connection to the police or military, which makes their fighting skills plausible. However, Nathan Caine, our protagonist, is an ordinary banker. In just a few scenes, we can see that he’s not finding much satisfaction in life, but everything changes when he encounters Sherry in a dramatic slow-motion sequence.

In a surprisingly relatable manner, the duo quickly establish a strong bond, giving the impression of a solid foundation. Despite being an action-packed movie, the initial thirty minutes possess a charming, comedic romance vibe. However, it avoids typical cliches. They spend time together at a diner, revealing personal aspects of their lives. As Nathan and Sherry share their stories, we also gain insights into them. Their pasts and bond help us invest emotionally in them before the action unfolds. Consequently, when a bank robbery and kidnapping occur, we’re already engaged, and we root for Nathan’s mission.

As soon as Novocaine kicks into high gear, the film significantly improves. It’s amusing watching Nathan struggle against adversaries given his lack of training. However, his unique advantage – being unable to feel pain – makes him both extremely vulnerable and incredibly resilient. The script by Lars Jacobson is exceptional because it skillfully exploits Nathan’s special ability, showcasing scenes like snatching a scalding hot skillet and diving into an oil-filled pool to retrieve a weapon.

This movie is incredibly engaging, providing unrelenting excitement that moves at an astounding speed. It showcases a remarkable idea skillfully brought to life. Initially, Nathan’s disorder serves as a dramatic element, revealing the risks involved in everyday activities like eating solid food, and the tough childhood he experienced due to it. Later, it becomes a source of action, enabling Nathan to perform extraordinary feats that would be impossible for an average human. Lastly, it is cleverly used for humor, especially in a scene where Nathan gets injured repeatedly, reacting more with irritation and exasperation than scream-worthy pain.

Let’s discuss the leading man of Novocaine, Jack Quaid. He should be cast in all future films without question. We’re only a quarter into 2025, and he has already starred in my top two movies of the year (the other being Companion). It’s even more remarkable because of the contrast between his roles. In Companion, he portrays an abhorrent character with the most infuriating face you can imagine. On the other hand, in Novocaine, he exudes a completely opposite energy – he’s a charismatic, lovable everyman who effortlessly wins your sympathy. This role seems tailor-made for him, and he delivers it flawlessly. His reactions and comedic timing during scenes where one would expect pain but he remains miraculously unscathed are simply priceless.

1. Midthunder shines brightly in the movie, but there’s a slight drawback as the film doesn’t fully explore her internal struggles when she’s faced with difficult actions that should be tough for her. Jacob Batalon adds charm to this film, and while he’s known for his humorous roles in Spider-Man films, he fits right in here, even making me and the audience chuckle with some of his lines. It’s great to see Ray Nicholson back in action after his impactful role in Smile 2. The film also has a beautiful connection to The Last Detail, a movie released over 50 years ago, starring Jack Nicholson and Randy Quaid, as it now features both of their sons. The continuation of acting talent across generations is always delightful.

In this film, a captivating side plot revolves around the police characters, a common element in vigilante-themed action movies where the law enforcement is on the hunt for the protagonist. However, in this instance, it enhances rather than distracts from the main narrative due to the entertaining portrayals of Betty Gabriel and Matt Walsh. Furthermore, directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, who have built a solid reputation in the industry, may find their careers soaring with this film. The action sequences are expertly directed, even though they opt for a more subtle camera approach. Yet, the pace and the violence of these fight scenes are gruesomely satisfying, displaying a mastery of the genre.

If you’re an enthusiast of intense action films or are searching for an entertaining pick for a movie night out (as long as you can handle some brutality), the film Novocaine featuring Jack Quaid might be just what you need. It’s sure to leave you in stitches from all the laughter.

SCORE: 9/10

According to ComingSoon’s review policy, a score of 9 means “Excellent.” Such entertainment stands out as the finest in its category, setting the bar high for all creators who strive to achieve this level of excellence.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Novocaine review.

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2025-03-08 20:14