Action-comedy “Novocaine” is a non-stop thrill ride that will leave you gasping for air, but not necessarily from pain – thanks to its protagonist, Nathan Caine, who has a rare condition rendering him immune to physical harm. Jack Quaid shines as the cautious introvert trying to prevent crises in his daily life.
Caine’s existence is devoted to baby-proofing and non-chewing food, making his mundane job as an assistant manager at a bank even more dull. However, his world changes when a pretty teller asks him out, leading to chaos after she’s taken hostage during a robbery. Quaid brings a light touch and humor to the role, but the movie’s logic can be stretched.
The script cleverly throws in references to other movies, and the action sequences are stylish and well-executed. The film’s self-aware tone makes for an enjoyable watch, despite some pacing issues and overstaying its welcome. With a talented cast, including Amber Midthunder and Ray Nicholson, “Novocaine” is a fun, albeit painful, ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ratings: 2.5/4 stars; R for strong violence, language, and grisly images; running time: 110 minutes.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/movie-review-novocaine-ed565fb246c89508bb99ded579dcab69