We're starting to see Jack Quaid pop up everywhere, and in Novocaine, he's a standout in what might be an overly gimmicky movie. His innocent, kind-hearted character keeps you hooked even as the story seems to lose its way. Novocaine kicks off strong, showing an everyday guy stuck in a cycle of violence. But as it goes on, the movie leans too much on brutality and gore instead of storytelling. Watching someone get beaten up might be entertaining, but for me, it makes the story feel a bit shallow. The film’s focus on physical punishment seems to cover up its storytelling flaws.
Where Novocaine really stretches believability isn't in the hero's crazy resilience but in the weird interactions between criminals and cops. The plot often asks you to buy into some unbelievable situations in a movie that's already pushing it. Still, among the quirky romcoms out this year, this one has a certain charm others don't. Quaid’s performance adds humor and vulnerability to an otherwise intense experience. It's one of the more fun action films, but it might be too much for those who aren’t into gore. If you can handle it, Novocaine offers a wild, if imperfect, ride.
3.5/5
Comments