Novocaine Movie Review

This movie is a must-see if you get all stirred up to watch the ridiculously absurd. Writer Lars Jacobson, Day of the Dead, knows what he’s doing to entertain his audience. He has rolled up a charming, engaging, cockamamie story for anyone who likes their action with a healthy amount of comedy or vice versa… works either way.

Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, “Significant Other,” knew exactly what it would take to involve you in every moment of the narrative. The cinematography, editing and instant bursts of crazy thrill and hold you in your seat. This is so much better than any trailer could have sold you on.

The storyline is that Quaid’s boring Nate, a bank assistant manager, who won’t be hiding in the mundane much longer whether he likes it or not, changes before your very eyes. He doesn’t have the guts to get anywhere near new employee, Sherry, played by Amber Midthunder from “Dream Scenario.” He’s in love. However, to catch her eye, Nate finally sums up the courage to be a hero of sorts. By the way, there’s a fantastic reveal about Sherry coming around halfway through the movie.

“Novocaine” is a simple concept that reels you in right away. You shouldn’t love someone’s body getting mangled, but you will. It’s hilarious watching how injured the poor thing gets. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but you need to ignore a couple of things that may be slightly distracting, the first time you watch. See it a second time for the fact that actor Jack Quaid, Nate, (our hero because he can’t feel pain and is willing to do things one might not otherwise), is the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. You’ll see them both and you’ll hear them both the entire flick. It was hard not to pay attention to the resemblances. I couldn’t… and is the reason I must watch again. I have to give him the respect of watching the movie for him instead of the parents. The man needs to keep working to build his own identity because he looks so much like his lovely parents, they’re practically all you see at first. He even sounds like them!

Then, the bad guy, Simon, is Ray Nicholson. He has a look you can’t turn away from. He pulls you in with intrigue and frightens at the same time. Why, though? He has a famous grin and uses it to his full advantage. It’s from dad, Jack Nicholson, and as dad used it, he does too. That grin wins you over. Hello! He’s not a nice guy so look away if you must. I kid, of course. Nate’s character arc works so well, and Quaid is believable. He handles joy, anger, happiness and disappointment very well, being completely authentic throughout this peculiar tale. Seriously, you may as well get a second ticket and just walk right back in for a second viewing. It’s that gratifying. The entire theater was loving it.