At first glance, Novocaine starring The Boys’s Jack Quaid has all of the elements of a perfect action-comedy movie: a likeable hero, an admirable goal, a dependable sidekick, and even a distinctive plot device. Yet, in spite of its seemingly perfect setup, Novocaine fails to produce an engaging experience that leaves a memorable impression.
Right off the bat, the concept of an action movie about a man with a pain-blocking genetic condition casts an irresistible hook. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Novocaine follows assistant bank manager Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) as he attempts to rescue his love interest Sherry (Amber Midthunder) from bank robbers with the help of his best friend, Roscoe (Jacob Batalon).
If the plot seems simple, that’s because it is, but the novelty of the story is meant to come from Nathan’s unique, and occasionally detrimental, medical condition. Although his inability to feel pain takes center stage throughout Nathan’s quest, the plot device never feels utilized to its full potential. Throughout his pursuit, Nathan finds himself involved in numerous brawls and hazardous situations, but his reactions to hits and attacks are nearly the same as any other action hero. He still falls backward, can still pass out, and is still pushed around and incapacitated throughout the movie.
I wouldn’t normally have an issue with Nathan’s reactions as they make the condition more realistic and less invulnerable, but paired with the unoriginal storyline, the film feels like a repeat of the same action movie that has been done countless times before. There are some shiningly interesting moments where Nathan is able to reach areas and use materials that a person who feels pain would not be able to endure such as reaching into hot frying oil or using weapons that have impaled him to attack his opponents. However, these unique and fresh instances are not only sparse, but are also usually ruined by the presence of an unnecessary slow motion shot. The film would have undoubtedly benefited from longer, better choreographed action sequences that actually engage the audience and don’t just depend on a quickly overplayed gimmick.
Only adding to the bland viewing experience is the lack of a distinct visual style and eye-catching cinematography. One of the biggest reasons Novocaine drew me in was the bright, pop art-inspired movie posters that accompanied the film’s release. Based on the posters, I was expecting a stylized, colorful world with explosive visuals and lighting similar to movies such as Bullet Train or The Fall Guy. Yet, even just minutes into the film, I could tell that I was strapped in for a disappointing ride.
There were so many opportunities where a pop of color, a flashy camera angle, or an interesting editing flourish could have made a scene undeniably captivating. Regardless, the color scheme never made an attempt to be unconventional, and any interesting camera work was immediately overshadowed by a cut to misplaced slow motion.
Despite the unimpressive cinematography, Novocaine does deserve credit for its commitment to practical effects. The movie’s R-rating is primarily earned through its gory fight sequences, some of which would make even a hardcore horror fan squirm in their seat. Nathan’s makeup looks especially good, with injuries remaining apparent throughout the film and following the progression of inflictions he endures. However, a couple scenes involving blood can look a bit fake and seem slightly egregious compared to the more entertaining and creative injuries that Nathan sustains.
The cast also brings an enjoyable element to the film with each character being likeable and uniquely charming. Quaid, Midthunder, and Ray Nicholson, who plays the lead bank robber, fit their roles perfectly and bring the audience closer to the motivations that drive the story forward.
Although the acting itself is entertaining, certain lines of dialogue come off forced and out of place, which occasionally disrupted my immersion in the film. The storyline also sets up multiple interesting plot threads but never elaborates on them or fully explores them, resulting in many frustratingly unanswered questions by the end of the movie. Sherry’s background, specifically, is briefly introduced but then never discussed again which leaves her character feeling flat and underdeveloped by the end of the run time.
The final half an hour of the movie involves a series of twists which, while they kept me on my toes and my expectations in the air, resulted in the last act of the film feeling drawn out.
Novocaine is not a bad movie by any means. It is a perfectly average action movie with an enjoyable story and cast of characters. However, the film wastes its enormous potential and in the end, fails to create a bright, eye-popping phenomenon driven by a refreshingly new plot device.
Anyone who enjoys action-packed movies such as Carry-On or Venom: The Last Dance will be able to find something to appreciate in Novocaine.
6.5/10
