Pain, the potential for pain, or the fear of pain often withholds people from taking risks in life. These sentiments are particularly true for anxious introverts who rarely deviate from their comfort zones. Enter Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), an anxious and insecure bank executive who has a rare congenital disorder that has desensitized him to pain. Because he feels no pain, this increases his risk of injury, particularly fatal injuries. As a result, Nathan has lived his life in his protective bubble, which also includes socializing with people in public places.
Nathan’s life changes when he falls in love with bank teller Sherry Margrave (Amber Midthunder), a witty and outgoing young woman who takes a liking to Nathan. When a violent bank robbery results in the abduction of his beloved Sherry, Nathan throws caution to the wind, takes the law into his own hands, and attempts to rescue her. As one would expect, this valiant effort leads to a cavalcade of horrendous injuries, with the only pain he feels is the longing to save the love of his life.
Written by Lars Jacobson, and directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Novocaine has a mostly straightforward and simple story, though it does have a few surprises here and there. However, the real reason most people want to watch this story is to witness the insane ways Nathan “Novocaine” Caine gets wounded, and it definitely gets pretty ridiculous. Still, I had an absolute blast, marveling at the outstanding editing, stunts, fight choreography, and balls-to-the-wall action.
At the same time, the film has a big heart at its core. Nathan’s motivation is love. His life is brand new and reborn after meeting Sherry. And even though he is clearly out of his element and should let the police handle it, Nathan is an underdog protagonist worthy of the cheers and support of the audience. Though the writing of his character is solid, it is really Jack Quaid who sells it well.
He most definitely inherited the talents of his parents, Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. He is terrific as Nathan Caine. He has great screen presence and charisma but uses these gifts to superbly play a lovable, down-on-his-luck loser trying to be a winner. I also very much enjoyed the performance by Amber Midthunder, who portrays the lovely Sherry. Another actor who stands out is Jacob Batalon, who stars as Nathan’s best friend, Roscoe Dixon. Though the role is similar to that of his take on Ned Leeds in the new Spider-Man movies, he is just as funny here.
Novocaine is one of those movies meant to be watched with a group of people. Therefore, I highly recommend watching it with friends in a theater full of like-minded individuals. I must issue a warning, though, some of Nathan’s injuries are pretty gnarly. If you are especially squeamish, you will likely have to look away occasionally. Otherwise, this is a wild rollercoaster of an action-comedy/love story guaranteed to entertain and amuse.