In their movie “Novocaine,” directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the protagonist undergoes a grueling physical test, while spectators marvel at the impressive staging and the distinct sounds of broken bones echoing.
These types of movies have come a long way.
Instead of the turbulent camera work and heavy storylines in the Jason Bourne movies, the “John Wick” series has switched things up with themes of vengeance and mythology creation, along with epic, grandiose, and visually stunning fight scenes to the death.
The cinematography that made viewers feel like they were on a rollercoaster in the Jason Bourne films has been replaced by intricate storytelling around vengeance and myth-building, as well as spectacular, larger-than-life fight sequences to the death in the “John Wick” series.
The key aspect of those films, whether they’re James Bond classics or movies like “Long Kiss Goodnight,” lies in the emotional investment we have in the characters rather than the missions themselves. Unfortunately, in the film “Novocaine,” an excessive use of violence, repetitive fight scenes, and a focus on despair instead of cleverness overshadows its initial potential.
Jack Quaid takes on the role of Nate Caine, a bank employee leading an unremarkable existence while maintaining self-reliance and solitude, often feeling the monotony that comes from playing it safe. Amber Midthunder portrays Sherry, a captivating figure who enters Nate’s life, challenges his comfort zone, and persuades him to venture out on a romantic outing.
Once Sherry manages to be alone with Nate, he reveals a shocking truth: he lacks the ability to feel pain and must carefully organize his day to avoid causing himself harm, unaware of any injuries or impalement. The following day, when the bank is held up and Sherry is placed in danger, an unexpected response arises within Nate.
He now has a newfound mission and springs to Sherry’s rescue.
Regarding action movies modeled on “John Wick,” I strongly lean towards “Nobody” from 2021, a hidden gem starring Bob Odenkirk. It offers an engaging blend of humor, intensity, and brutality, unlike any other. In the film “Novocaine,” the main character is portrayed as a unique case – he endures repeated beatings but remains unscathed, continuing to chat during fights and sometimes unaware of the various objects that pierce him amidst the flurry of punches aimed at his face.
It’s a limited idea and as thin as the characters.
Quaid’s acting style, full of quirks and formal gestures, gave me the impression of an over-caffeinated Topher Grace. Initially, I found it hard to appreciate his performance, but as the story unfolded, it grew on me. However, in this year’s “Companion,” Quaid delivered a more compelling portrayal.
Novocaine” gracefully unfolds at its own pace, avoiding hasty progression towards action. If you enter without prior knowledge of the plot, it might even seem like a classic romantic comedy during its initial act.
The main idea isn’t clearly presented until later during the conversation at a dinner date, but what follows is a sequence of disturbingly gruesome scenes that make it difficult to continue watching as the plot unfolds in the subsequent acts.
To clarify, this story isn’t about a man discovering he has superpowers; instead, we find Nate often teetering on the brink of death after brutal fight sequences. I found both “Kick-Ass” (2010) and its 2013 sequel equally difficult to enjoy, and they didn’t live up to the hype as being edgy as people claimed.
These movies, including “Novocaine,” strive to break boundaries but fail to create characters we can emotionally connect with. The effort to mold it into a grisly romance tale falls flat around halfway through the film.
The scene that remains is an ironic one, where you see the offspring of Jack Nicholson (portraying the movie’s villain) engaging in a brutal fight with the son of Dennis Quaid. Both Ray Nicholson and Jack Quaid possess the talent to excel as actors, and I wish them nothing but success.
In summary, “Novocaine” wasn’t terrible, but I found myself wishing the story had ended much sooner. However, things took an unexpected turn when Nate used his fist to smash it against pieces of broken glass instead.
Why? To embed the shards in his knuckles and weaponize his punches, of course!
Two Stars (out of four)
Read More
- Nadaaniyan song Galatfehmi OUT: Ibrahim Ali Khan, Khushi Kapoor’s heartbreaking separation in love will leave you emotional
- Pop-Tarts and Krispy Kreme Kick Off 2025 With Collaborative Menu
- Cookie Run Kingdom Town Square Vault password
- Alec Baldwin’s TLC Reality Show Got A Release Date And There’s At Least One Reason I’ll Definitely Be Checking This One Out
- The First Trailer for The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Film Is Here
- Rick Owens Gives RIMOWA’s Cabin Roller a Bronze Patina
- JJJJound’s Made in Germany adidas Superstars Drop This Week
- Lars Eidinger on Berlin Opener ‘The Light’: “We, the Privileged Wealthy, Are the Problem”
- Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars Movie Here’s Everything We Know
- ‘The Last of Us’ Gets Season 2 Premiere Date
2025-03-11 22:03