Novocaine

Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Novocaine follows Jack Quaid’s Nathan Caine as he springs into action after the object of his affection (Amber Midthunder’s Sherry) is kidnapped by bank robbers – with Nathan’s endeavors assisted by his inability to feel (or be slowed down by) pain. It’s a fun premise that is, for the most part, employed to engaging, entertaining effect by Berk and Olsen, as the filmmakers, working from a screenplay by Lars Jacobson, kick the proceedings off with an engrossing opening stretch focused on the appealing romcom exploits of Quaid and Midthunder’s respective characters – with the affable atmosphere heightened by the performers’ perpetually charming efforts. (Quaid, in particular, does a terrific job of transforming Nathan into a relatable, completely sympathetic figure.) And although the 110 minute running time results in an erratic midsection and fairly anticlimactic third act (ie this is a picture virtually crying out for a tight, streamlined narrative), Novocaine, bolstered by a recurring emphasis on electrifying action sequences (eg Nathan’s violent encounter with a goon in a professional kitchen), generally comes off as a superior thriller that benefits from its first-class setup and Quaid’s thoroughly ingratiating turn.

*** out of ****