My Review of "Novocaine"

Novocaine is an action comedy that came out in 2025. It's probably one of the most fun I've had in the theatres of this year. Going into this movie I didn't think much because it didn't seem like a huge blockbuster movie. Reflecting on the movie now, I'm really glad I got to check this out in the theater because the reactions really connect you with the audience and the movie.

The movie starts out with some odd imagery. You'll notice that there are tennis balls and safety tape on the edges of furniture. This is the life of Nate. He's got a condition that prevents him from feeling pain. It seems as though he goes to great length to protect himself from harm.

I found this to be very well done to help with the storytelling of this movie. We can understand how he's isolated and sheltered all of his life. His contact with people is very limited because of bullying and the fact that he's scared of everything. It really helps to understand the psyche of our main character and his motivations.

Despite his ailments he's able to build his career up to become an assistant manager at his bank. He has a good heart and tries to help others the best that he can. Life is pretty good overall but there's one thing that he wants changed. There's a girl, Sherry, that works in his building and he's got a major crush on her. The problem is that he's been so isolated and regimented that it's hard for him to break his cycle.

One day the two have an encounter that result in Sherry taking an interest in Nate. The two really hit it off and it turns out to be the best day of Nate's life. Of course, his feelings for her are exacerbated because of their new relationship. Then things come to a crashing halt when their bank gets robbed.

The thieves decide to take Sherry as a hostage. Fearing for her life, Nate takes on the challenge of rescuing Sherry from these heinous villains before any harm can come to her.

It's a very simple and straightforward story. In some ways that's what I love about it. This movie is very focused, clear and concise. It is not a movie that you'll be contemplating weeks from watching. This movie is an escape from reality where the good guys are virtuous heroes and the villains are obviously horrible. There are no real grey areas and your mind can just go on auto and enjoy the fun.

This movie is not for the feint of heart either. There are some gross visuals and extreme levels of violence involved. They take this to a next level. It's to such an extreme level of violence that it's never taken seriously. These scenes are very much set up in comedic fashion. There is no way any of this could happen and the absurdity is quite funny at times.

There are a number of funny moments too. I thought the naivety and politeness of Nate were very nice additions to the comedy of the movie. He's definitely a fish out of water when it comes to the action sequences. Yet it still works in a Pink Panther sort of way. We know he has this ability to not feel pain and the villains do not. The dramatic irony is quite fun whenever this plays out. I thought it would have been even funnier if this was a British movie. Their sense of politeness would have had me on the floor.

Overall, this is a very well made movie with tons of laughs. It's especially fun in the theatres with a group of people. There is a ton of violence so if you don't do well with that, I'd stay away. If you have a little twisted sense of humor like I do then you're going to really have fun with this movie. I had a great time from start to finish so I'll give this one an 8 out of 10.