DVD Corner

Novocaine 4K UHD Review

“Novocaine” is a perfectly watchable high-concept action flick.

Playing like a cross between “John Wick” and “Crank,” “Novocaine” is an original romantic action comedy penned by Lars Jacobson. The story revolves around Nathan- a shy young man who works at a credit union. He’s very risk adverse, but he has reason to be as he has a condition (CIPA) which causes him to never feel pain. Nathan’s world is turned upside down when he meets co-worker Sherry whom he begins to fall for. Unfortunately for him, his blossoming romance becomes interrupted when the credit union is robbed and Sherry is taken hostage. In a move that is very outside of his normal behavior, Nathan risks everything to save Sherry which includes stealing a cop car, fighting the robbers, and getting severely injured. Aiding him in his quest is his gamer pal Roscoe (whom he has never met before). Can Nathan rescue Sherry? Is Sherry the person Nathan thinks she is? Will Nathan even survive this crazy quest?

As James Dalton once said in 1989’s “Road House,” “Pain don’t hurt.” For Nathan that is literally true. The notion of a central character not being able to feel pain is an interesting one for an action film (although the concept was used a bit in the Bond film “The World Is Not Enough”). This plot device certainly allows for all manner of wild and bloody action scenes in which our hero’s body is put through the wringer. For those wondering, “Novocaine” never holds back on blood and gore. Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olson go all out in making this action movie as brutal as possible in everywhere from a kitchen to a booby trapped house.

While undeniably entertaining, “Novocaine” never reinvents the wheel. The entire concept is absurd with a nerdy guy with zero training in anything becoming an action hero. It’s the type of premise you’d only see in Hollywood. Somehow though, it is pulled off well enough here thanks to the fast paced action, the genre combinations (romance, heist film, action film, comedy), and especially Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder (of “Prey” fame). Quaid continues to show range here. Who would have expected him to have this sort of physicality? Midthunder continues to be an underrated talent as Sherry. Her chemistry with Quaid really shines here. Hopefully she gets bigger and better roles down the road. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a pristine print.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The action heavy film is serviced well by a layered Atmos track.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Digital copy
* “Prepare For Pain: Pre-Production”- The cast and crew talk about the story, characters, and bringing the project to life.
* “A World Of Hurt: Production” takes a look at the filming, stunts, shooting in Cape Town, action training, and more.
* “Maximum Physical Damage: Makeup Effects”- A makeup featurette.

June 30, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Action Movie, Amber Midthunder, Jack Quaid, Novocaine 4K UHD Review, Novocaine Movie