Ever imagined John Wick but like way less cool and way more awkward? Well get ready for Nathan Caine played by the one and only Jack Quaid . Quaid known for The Boys and his general awesome-ness is starring in a brand new action-comedy called Novocaine and it sounds absolutely bonkers in the best way. Critics who have seen it are already raving about how funny and action-packed it is and we are here to break down why you should be hyped.
Pain? What Pain? Jack Quaid Plays a Hero Who Literally Can't Feel It in 'Novocaine'
The whole deal with Novocaine is that Jack Quaid's character Nathan Caine has this super rare condition called CIPA. Basically it means he can't feel pain or even temperature. Sounds kinda cool right? Except it makes everyday life super risky. Think about it even a little cut could be a big deal if you don't notice it.
Nathan is living a very careful life avoiding danger at all costs. He drinks smoothies to not bite his tongue puts tennis balls on corners you get the picture. But then BAM! He meets Sherry played by Amber Midthunder and his world flips upside down. After one night together Sherry gets kidnapped and suddenly Nathan the super cautious bank manager turns into a one-man rescue mission. Even though he is totally not cut out for it.
This is where the fun begins. Nathan is not your typical action hero. He's clumsy awkward and definitely not a fighter. But hey he can't feel pain! So he uses that to his advantage in the most ridiculous and hilarious ways possible. Imagine a guy who looks like he should be managing spreadsheets suddenly sticking his hand in a deep fryer or pulling bullets out of himself with pliers. That's Novocaine.
Critics Are Raving: Jack Quaid's "Irresistible" Charm and 'Novocaine's "Sharp Script" Steal the Show
So what are critics actually saying about Novocaine? Well lots of good stuff. IGN calls Jack Quaid "irresistible" and praises the movie for delivering a "sharp script and a fresh take on the hapless hero." Variety notes that Quaid's character is "world's unlikeliest John Wick" and highlights how fun it is to see him get "beat up real bad".
The Hollywood Reporter says Quaid gives a "winning" performance adding a "much-needed blast of stamina" to the movie. JoBlo.com mentions critics are calling it a "violently good time" and praising the "premise" and "humor". Basically everyone agrees Jack Quaid is fantastic in this role and the movie is a wild ride.
Here are a few key quotes from reviews to give you a taste:
- IGN: "Novocaine delivers a sharp script and a fresh take on the hapless hero as brought to life by the irresistible Jack Quaid."
- Variety: "You wouldn’t necessarily think it from the damage he sustains over the course of “Novocaine,” but Nathan Caine ranks among the most risk-averse action heroes the genre has ever seen...it’s fun to see him fight past the threshold where most people would tap out."
- Hollywood Reporter: "As played winningly by Jack Quaid Nathan Caine is a new kind of action hero. He’s not so great at dishing it out but boy can he take it."
- JoBlo: "Critics rave about the Jack Quaid action comedy... basically calling the movie a violently good time as the premise takes you on a ride and the humor keeps you laughing."
Action Comedy Mayhem: Expect Over-the-Top Violence and Laughs Galore
Novocaine is definitely not holding back on the action. Reviews mention "gnarly action-comedy romp" and "ultra-violent mayhem". The trailer itself shows Quaid getting thrown through walls stabbed shot and generally put through the ringer. But because he can't feel pain he just keeps going in increasingly ridiculous ways. Think Home Alone style booby traps meets action movie fight scenes but way more bloody and over the top.
But it is not just violence for the sake of violence. The humor is a big part of Novocaine. It's an "irreverent tone" with dark comedy and lots of awkward moments from Quaid's character. Imagine the contrast of this totally unprepared guy trying to be an action hero while still being polite and kind of nerdy. That's the comedic gold Novocaine is mining.
Amber Midthunder and More Join the Fun: The Supporting Cast of 'Novocaine'
While Jack Quaid is definitely the star Amber Midthunder who was amazing in Prey plays Sherry the woman Nathan is trying to rescue. Reviews mention she is not just a "damsel in distress" and her chemistry with Quaid is a key part of the movie. The bad guys are played by Ray Nicholson (son of Jack Nicholson) Conrad Kemp and Evan Hengst. Betty Gabriel and Matt Walsh play the cops chasing after Nathan adding another layer of comedic misunderstanding to the chaos.
Jacob Batalon who you might know from the Spider-Man movies is also in Novocaine as Nathan's friend Roscoe. Roscoe seems to be the comedic sidekick providing tech support and maybe some questionable advice to Nathan's unlikely hero journey.
More Than Just Gimmicks: 'Novocaine' Explores Unexpected Depth and Vulnerability
Don't let the "guy who can't feel pain" gimmick fool you. Reviews suggest Novocaine actually has some surprising emotional depth. IGN mentions it is "a story about the emotional agony of vulnerability and the depths we will go to to share our lives – and our feelings – with other people." Variety hints at the "romance that keeps us going" being more important than just the violence.
So while you will get your fill of crazy action and laughs Novocaine might also sneak in some heart and relatable themes about connection and what we are willing to do for someone we care about. It sounds like it is not just a mindless popcorn flick but something with a bit more going on underneath the surface.
Key Reasons to Check Out Jack Quaid's 'Novocaine':
- Jack Quaid as the Unlikely Action Hero: Quaid's performance is being widely praised for his charm and comedic timing in a unique role.
- Fresh and Original Premise: The "man who can't feel pain" concept is a fun twist on the action genre.
- Action-Comedy Blend: Expect a wild mix of over-the-top violence and laugh-out-loud humor.
- Strong Supporting Cast: Amber Midthunder Ray Nicholson and Jacob Batalon add to the fun.
- Unexpected Depth: Beneath the action and comedy there are themes of vulnerability and human connection.
- Positive Buzz: Critics are already giving Novocaine enthusiastic reviews.
Ready for a Painfully Funny Ride? 'Novocaine' Might Be Your Next Must-See Movie
If you are looking for something different from the usual superhero sequels and serious dramas Novocaine sounds like it could be a perfect shot of adrenaline and laughter. Jack Quaid is clearly having a blast Amber Midthunder is awesome and the whole concept is just plain wacky. Get ready for a movie that is violent funny and maybe even a little bit touching. Novocaine is hitting theaters soon and it might just be the surprise action-comedy hit of the year. Go check it out and prepare for a pain-free viewing experience well at least for you the audience!