Novocaine Review
2025 is shaping up to be the year of fun movies! Action/thriller films aren’t typically my go-to genre, but Novocaine is the one exception that completely breaks the rule. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, this movie rewrites the rules of action flicks, turning its typical action movie stereotypes into both solid and hilariously over-the-top strengths.
Jack Quaid plays Nathan, an assistant manager at a credit union who has congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA). In other words, it means that he literally can’t feel pain. This unique trait becomes both a blessing and a curse throughout the film, as Nathan desperately tries to rescue the girl of his dreams (Amber Midthunder), who has been kidnapped from the bank where they both work.
Quaid doesn’t stray far from his signature goofy, lanky character, but he’s so good at it that I can’t blame him for it. His Nathan goes through some pretty wild ups and downs: from intense car chases to navigating a booby-trapped house and even an incredibly hilarious torture scene that had me in stitches. Honestly, that was the funniest torture scene I have ever watched in my life. Quaid doesn’t need to explore other character types; he’s perfected this specific style of role, and I would happily watch 100 more movies with him doing what he does best.
The film masterfully blends sharp humour with jaw-dropping violence, yet never feels excessive. It’s the perfect balance between laughter and shock. A few scenes dragged on a bit longer than necessary, and some could have been developed a little more deeply, but honestly, these small flaws didn’t take away from how fun the movie was. A huge part of the experience, though, is seeing this film in a theatre with an audience. I genuinely had a blast watching it, but the reactions of the people around me made my experience even better! From laughing to wincing alongside the strangers sitting next to me, I was reminded of the pure joys of cinema. There were no distractions, no phones in sight, and it felt truly beautiful.
Don’t get me wrong, the film is far from perfect. But I had an insanely good time watching it, and that is not something that happens every day. Sometimes, it’s not about flawless execution; it’s about the fun and excitement you get while experiencing it, and Novocaine delivers that in spades. It’s a wild ride that kept me entertained from start to finish, and I wouldn’t hesitate to watch it again.
★★★★
In UK cinemas from March 27th / Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel / Dir: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen/ Paramount Pictures / 15
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