Sometimes you just have a blast at the movies. Because you experienced something that has the perfect cocktail of hilariously-timed humor, absurd ultraviolence and sweet sentimentality, resulting in purely enjoyable entertainment, despite its flaws. And Novocaine is just that. This is one of the best communal theater experiences I’ve had in a while.
The packed house was audibly eating up everything. Laughing at every joke (both sharp and dumb), while simultaneously gasping at the innovative bloody carnage per the film’s unique hook: Jack Quaid can’t feel physical pain and uses it as a superpower to save the girl he loves.
Yes, the suspension of disbelief is a prerequisite to enjoy the ride. The plot logic is filled with holes (which is fine), but more egregious is the unconvincing arcs of key characters’ backstories and corresponding motivations/morality. If this was better executed it would have been great.
While I like Jack Quaid in most of what he’s done, I’ve found his range very limited to the comfort zone of the “fish out of water” nerd. But here the tone and writing really play to all of his strengths, showcasing that he has what it takes to be a leading man when the storytelling stars align.
Novocaine isn’t likely to change the game, but it’s a damn good time.
