Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder star in the new action comedy film “Novocaine,” which will be released in theaters on March 14th via Paramount Pictures.
The synopsis is: Jack Quaid portrays Nathan “Nate” Caine, a sheltered bank manager who feels no pain. When the girl of his dreams Sherry (played by Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped by three bank robbers, Nate turns his inability to feel pain into an unexpected strength in his fight to get her back.
Jack Nicholson’s son, Ray Nicholson, plays Simon, the lead bank robber. Betty Gabriel and Matt Walsh play San Diego police offers Mincy and Coltraine respectively.
The movie was directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen from a screenplay by Lars Jacobson.
“Novocaine” has a retro vibe to it, where viewers can recall elements of the holiday classic “Home Alone” meets “Baby Driver.”
The action sequences are thrilling, and the dramatic moments are carefully crafted, delivering a nicely balanced, if overlong, watch that keeps audiences engaged.
The supporting cast is well suited to the task. Betty Gabriel delivers a badass, feisty performance as Detective Mincy and Matt Walsh is hilarious as veteran officer Coltraine. Jacob Batalon provides additional comic relief as Roscoe, Nate’s online gaming buddy, further carving out what is becoming a strong niche for him as an actor.
While the ending is a bit too predictable, the twists and turns along the way assure viewers’ time isn’t wasted, as does the anchoring performance of star Jack Quaid.
The only downside is that it could have been shorter in duration (110 minutes is rather long; it could have easily been reduced by 20 or 25 minutes).
Quaid, who has been quietly developing an impressive resume over time in a wide variety of roles, proves to be a strong lead for the film. Perhaps best known for his work in the superhero drama TV series “The Boys,” Quaid delivers his character’s quick-witted lines with an easy charm and lighthearted energy that is reminiscent of his famous parents’ best work, while clearly establishing a screen charisma and presence that is uniquely his own.
Quaid’s choices run the gamut as Nate, and it’s clear he’s not afraid to swing for the fences. This turns what could have been a less memorable project into a genuinely diverting action adventure.
Deftly shot and directed, the cinematography and direction marry well to bring the narrative to life in a way that feels both comfortable and clever, resulting in just the kind of adrenaline-filled cinematic treat audiences look for at the end of winter as they wait for the summer blockbuster season to begin in earnest.
With just the right number of laughs, tears, sighs, and gasps, “Novocaine” pulls off another difficult trick as well: avoiding the cliché pitfalls that often plague action films to deliver a love story that actually complement the action instead of feeling tacked on.
Much of the credit goes to Amber Midthunder as Sherry and the refreshingly natural chemistry she shares with Quaid, and screenwriter Lars Jacobson, who gives each of the main characters the right amount of characterization and agency.
The Verdict
Overall, “Novocaine” fulfills the action-comedy cardinal rule: it’s enjoyable to watch. With a strong lead, solid characterization, infectious soundtrack, and impressive stunt work and action sequences, the time spent watching – even with an arguably overlong screen time and slightly predictable ending – feels well-spent. It garners 4.5 out of 5 stars.
