Hey movie fans Jack Quaid you know Hughie from "The Boys" is back in a brand new movie! This time it is an action-comedy called "Novocaine" and it is hitting theaters. But is it a knockout or a movie that leaves you feeling numb? Let's break down the box office predictions what critics are saying and if this pain-free action flick is worth your ticket money.
'Novocaine' vs 'Mickey 17': Box Office Race Heats Up Can Jack Quaid Take the Crown?
Word on the street is "Novocaine" is heading for a box office showdown . It is predicted to go head-to-head with "Mickey 17" for the top spot this weekend. Early estimates suggest "Novocaine" could pull in a debut of around $10 to $12 million across North American cinemas. That is not too shabby for a movie that cost about $18 million to make.
In "Novocaine" Jack Quaid plays Nathan Caine a regular guy with a twist. He cannot feel pain! This comes in handy when his dream girl gets kidnapped during a bank robbery. He decides to use his unusual condition to become an unlikely action hero and save the day. Will audiences show up to see Quaid in action? The box office numbers will soon tell!
Critics Say 'Novocaine' is a Painful Misfire Bland Action and Numbingly Tedious? Ouch!
While box office predictions are somewhat optimistic the critical reception for "Novocaine" is well… not great. Some reviews are calling it a "tedious action-comedy" that is "numbingly bland." Ouch again! The Washington Post review even says it "lives up to its name" in being numbing. They point out that even Jack Quaid's charm cannot save this one.
Reviewers mention that the movie tries to be funny with Looney Tunes-style violence but it just becomes repetitive and not in a good way. The movie's gimmick is that Quaid's character cannot feel pain due to a rare condition called CIPA. But apparently even endless scenes of over-the-top violence and gore get old fast. One review compares it to "1000 paper cuts then dunking wounds in lemon juice" - starting wince-inducing then just tedious.
The Chicago Tribune review is a bit kinder but still mixed. They note that "Novocaine" wastes a promising setup and a good romantic storyline between Quaid and Amber Midthunder. While praising Jack Quaid's "breezy Jack Lemmony air" and Amber Midthunder's performance they feel the movie falls apart when the violence takes over.
Jack Quaid's Everyman Charm: Can He Save 'Novocaine' From Negative Reviews?
Despite the harsh reviews critics do agree on one thing: Jack Quaid is charming. The Washington Post mentions his "everyman charms" and "rubber-faced agreeableness." The Chicago Tribune says he "acquits himself with a breezy Jack Lemmony air."
Quaid is known for playing relatable nerdy characters like Hughie in "The Boys" and his roles in the "Scream" franchise. In "Novocaine" he tries to use that persona as Nathan Caine a mild-mannered bank manager who gets thrown into a world of action. He is supposed to be this "milquetoast wannabe white knight" with hidden artistic talents and a love for Dungeons & Dragons.
However even Quaid's likability might not be enough to make "Novocaine" a hit. Reviewers suggest the script is weak the staging is lackluster and the violence becomes tiresome despite his efforts. Some even feel the movie underuses Amber Midthunder known for her action roles like in "Prey".
Pros and Cons of 'Novocaine': Should You Risk Feeling the Pain of a Bland Action Comedy?
So is "Novocaine" worth seeing? Here's a quick rundown of the potential highs and lows based on reviews:
- Potential Pros:
- Jack Quaid's charming and likable lead performance.
- Amber Midthunder's presence and action skills (though underutilized according to some).
- Jacob Batalon and Ray Nicholson's scene-stealing supporting roles.
- A kitchen brawl scene that is mentioned as realistically messy.
- High-concept premise of a pain-insensitive hero.
- Potential Cons:
- Overall bland and tedious action-comedy.
- Repetitive and uninspired ultraviolence.
- Weak script and predictable plot.
- Lackluster staging and cheap-looking production in parts.
- Underdeveloped characters and wasted potential.
Ultimately it seems "Novocaine" might be a movie for Jack Quaid completists or those really craving some over-the-top action even if it comes with a side of blandness. But if you are looking for a smart well-written action-comedy this might leave you feeling… numb.