Novocaine 2025 Movie Review
“Novocaine,” released on March 14, 2025, is an action-comedy directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, featuring Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine, a bank assistant manager with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA). This rare condition renders him unable to feel physical pain, setting the stage for a unique blend of humor and high-octane action. The film also stars Amber Midthunder as Sherry, Nathan’s colleague and love interest, who becomes a hostage during a bank robbery, propelling Nathan into a perilous rescue mission.
Critics have offered mixed reviews. The Guardian describes the film as a “throwaway one-joke action comedy” that struggles to maintain excitement, citing repetitive action scenes and a thin premise.
Similarly, the San Francisco Chronicle points out tonal inconsistencies, noting that while Quaid’s performance is commendable, the film oscillates awkwardly between comic violence and brutal villainy.
On the other hand, some reviews are more favorable. Vulture praises Quaid’s portrayal, highlighting his ability to balance intense action with humor, making “Novocaine” an “entertaining yet cathartically chaotic experience.”
Additionally, the Associated Press acknowledges the film’s mix of violent action and humor, though it mentions that the plot stretches plausibility at times.
Audience reactions have been similarly divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 87% approval rating, with viewers appreciating the dark humor and entertainment value, despite some predictability.
Conversely, Metacritic reports a more mixed user score of 5.1 out of 10, reflecting varied responses to the film’s execution.
At the box office, “Novocaine” led a sluggish weekend, earning $8.7 million, slightly below expectations. Despite its high profile and positive reviews, the overall domestic box office experienced its lowest-grossing weekend of the year, with a total of approximately $54 million in ticket sales.
In summary, “Novocaine” offers a unique premise bolstered by Jack Quaid’s engaging performance. While the film delivers a blend of action and comedy, its reception has been mixed, with critiques focusing on tonal inconsistencies and a stretched plot. Nevertheless, for viewers seeking an unconventional action-comedy, “Novocaine” provides an entertaining, if uneven, cinematic experience.
