In “Novocaine,” director Dan Berk and co-director Robert Olsen unite for a high-octane film that combines action, romance, and brutality. The story follows Nate (Jack Quaid), a shy bank assistant who suffers from a genetic disorder rendering him pain-free, but with some unfortunate consequences. When his love interest Sherry (Amber Midthunder) is taken hostage by robbers during a heist, Nate takes matters into his own hands, leading to a cross-city chase filled with gunfire, fistfights, and gruesome injuries.
Quaid shines in the lead role, delivering a charming yet fearless performance that adds depth to the film’s action-comedy. The chemistry between Quaid and Midthunder is undeniable, but their romance falls short of being compelling due to a lack of spark between them.
Despite this, “Novocaine” excels in its execution, with smartly written dialogue and clever callbacks to previous injuries that maintain the pacing of the film. Lars Jacobson’s script balances tone well, delivering both humor and trauma without feeling gratuitous. The result is a berserk romp of a time that will keep viewers laughing, grimacing, and flinching.
Berk and Olsen bring their horror roots to the fore in “Novocaine,” blending neon-lit action with a sense of humor that adds to the film’s charm. With its non-stop action and Quaid’s standout performance, this action-comedy is sure to entertain despite some minor flaws.
Source: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/novocaine-movie-review-2025