In the post-“John Wick” era of action cinema, where bullets and blood are plentiful, a new trend has emerged: slapstick thrills. The man-on-a-rampage subgenre now often incorporates absurd violence, echoing the classic slapstick comedy of the Three Stooges. “Novocaine,” directed by Robert Olsen and Dan Berk, taps into this understanding with great success.
The key to its humor lies in the invincibility clause: if the protagonist can’t feel physical pain, the consequences are endless and ridiculous. Jack Quaid stars as Nate Caine, a man with a genetic disorder that renders him numb to pain. This makes him lead a sheltered life, avoiding even minor injuries.
When his coworker Sherry (Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped during a bank heist, Nate embarks on a gruesome rescue mission. However, instead of delivering slick action sequences, the film relies on Quaid’s natural charm to carry its humor. The actor brings a lovable awkwardness to the role, making Nate’s indestructibility both amusing and sympathetic.
While the premise might feel like a gimmick, “Novocaine” has enough imagination to make it work. Quaid’s charisma keeps the film from becoming tiresome, and his performance is its greatest asset. With strong bloody violence, grisly images, and language throughout, this R-rated comedy is not for the faint of heart but is sure to entertain those looking for a silly ride.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/movies/novocaine-review.html