Movie Breakdown: Novocaine

Pre-Screening Stance:

I think Novocaine looks like it could be a good time. Admittedly, I’m not at all familiar with co-directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s previous films, but I’ve got faith in Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder.

Post-Screening Ramble:

If you’re into over the top action comedies, then I think you’ll find plenty to like in Novocaine. The movie is centered around a young man named Nate (Jack Quaid), an assistant bank manager who lives a very quiet, reserved life due to a rare condition that doesn’t allow him to feel pain. After his sort-of-girlfriend, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is taken hostage during a robbery, he puts his “special power” to use and sets out as a literal blunt instrument in an attempt to get her back. Silliness ensues. And actually, a lot of gore and action as well. I knew going into the movie that it had an R-rating, but I was still somewhat surprised to see how far directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen pushed things – I definitely cringed more than once. Quaid’s bumbly nice guy shtick continues to work well for him, plus he holds his own when it comes to his portion of the action, which is largely his character getting absolutely walloped and mangled. On the flip side of those things, I’m not sure the movie needed an hour and fifty-minute runtime, and I think Midthunder’s character has an under-developed arch, but hey, it’s still worth seeing. Novocaine is in theaters this Friday, March 14.

One Last Thought:

The press screening I attended was in a 4DX theater, which is something I hadn’t previously experienced. What a wild time. It’s like being on a rickety roller coaster that’s synced with strobe lights and blasts of air. There’s also quick shots of mist that accompany particularly splattery moments, certain scenes have subtle smells, and more. Maybe avoid it if you have sensory overload issues, but otherwise you should try it (if you haven’t already) because it’s a lot of fun.