Novocaine – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Novocaine – In a Life so Numb … I can FEEL the Love

In films, there are many ways to grip the audience.  For many, what pulls you in can be a matter of context or value.  For me, it is that unique blend of creative and relative execution that preys on my taste for an escape.  In this review, I look at the latest action/comedy to hit the big screen.  With an original premise, we head on a journey that recognizes itself … and runs with the fun.  For all the clichés that abound, Novocaine is a crazed journey of what it truly means to feel … something.

When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, a man of numbing conditions will fight through it all for that one true love.  At the start of this film, we are introduced to our main character, Nate (Jack Quaid), watching as he lives alone and works a normal 9 to 5 at a San Diego local bank.  All seems normal, except he has a condition where he cannot feel any pain.  After a series of convenient scenes, Nate decides that he will break from his ‘simple life’ and ask one of the female tellers on a date.  After a night of genuine conversations and intimacy, he believes that Sherry (Amber Midthunder) is the one.  Once that ‘love interest’ hook is revealed, we quickly move into (main plot) a dire situation … a bank robbery that leads to Sherry being taken as a hostage.  With truly nothing to lose (or no way to feel any pain), Nate decides to go after the robbers to save his ‘one true love’.  From this point, the film moves quickly through a rapid fire-like journey that combines the unique premise with over-the-top action, gore and dramatic but dark comedic moments.  As Nate comes across the robbers and other individuals, each situation is driven by two things: The characterization of the scene and the ‘odd’ display of Nate’s ability ‘not to feel’ pain.  This combination is a repeated ‘hook’ of the draw, one that provides irony to the predictable circumstance within a tremendous push for suspension of disbelief.  Even as you ‘know’ what may be coming or seems illogical, it is the outcome that drives that adrenaline into the experience.  For all the underdeveloped moments and clichés, it is the originality that propels you to root for Nate, even if it may lead to dire results. 

As Nate continues along this odd but comedic warpath, each situation is heightened by the character (himself).  For all the one-dimensional characters and plot fodder, it is Jack Quaid’s charisma as Nate that drives the emotional value of each encounter, leaving with a feeling of true ingenuity in the simple narrative.  With Nate on the heels of the main antagonist, we head into a third act that raises the stakes within the action.  Even as we head through a series of ‘last second save’ moments, everything builds to a fulfilled climax and epilogue.  Novocaine is aware of its premise and delivers a genuine experience.  If you are a fan of those involved, action, comedy or unique premises, this one is for you.  For everyone else, I think there is enough here for a good bloody fun time. 

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)