Rated: MA15+
My Rating: 8/10
Novocaine No Pain was a real surprise package — gory as hell, properly funny, and packed with a story that actually keeps you hooked. It’s the kind of film that’s so over-the-top it shouldn’t work… but it totally does. I was cringing and laughing the whole way through.
The story centres around Nathan Caine (played by Jack Quaid), a bank manager who’s got a rare condition called CIPA, which means he literally can’t feel pain. He just goes about his day like anyone else — until his bank gets knocked over by a gang of crooks, and they take his girlfriend hostage. That’s when things go completely off the rails.
Instead of panicking, Nathan decides he’s going to rescue her — and because he doesn’t feel pain, he charges through fight after fight, getting battered, stabbed, thrown out of windows… you name it. But he just keeps going. It’s full-on, but also absolutely hilarious.
Jack Quaid is perfect for this role. He’s got that awkward, likeable charm, and he leans right into the comedy without making it feel silly. You’re laughing one second and then cheering him on the next. He makes Nathan feel like an everyday bloke who just happens to be completely unkillable.
The fight scenes are completely unhinged — blood everywhere, bones crunching, limbs flying — but it’s all done with this over-the-top style that makes it fun instead of gross. It’s got that cartoonish, Deadpool-style violence where it’s so exaggerated you can’t help but laugh. Still, it’s not just mindless chaos — the story has real momentum and heart, especially when it comes to Nathan and his girlfriend.
Amber Midthunder is solid as Sherry, and there’s good chemistry between her and Quaid. The supporting cast is decent too — especially Ray Nicholson as the nutcase villain and Jacob Batalon as Nathan’s online mate, who adds a bit of extra comic relief.
Visually, the film’s slick. It’s got a comic book vibe with heaps of colour and style. The direction by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen keeps things fast-paced and sharp, so you’re never bored, even in the slower scenes. It knows exactly what kind of movie it is — a gory action comedy with a bit of heart — and it nails that tone from start to finish.
If I had to nitpick, the story’s not breaking new ground. It’s a classic rescue mission at its core. But when the execution’s this good, it really doesn’t matter. The action’s mad, the jokes land, and you’re fully along for the ride.
Novocaine No Pain is a riot. It’s bloody, it’s bonkers, and it’s a whole lot of fun. Jack Quaid carries the whole thing effortlessly, and the mix of gore and comedy works way better than it has any right to. If you’re up for a laugh and don’t mind a bit (or a lot) of blood, this one’s well worth a watch and that’s why I rate it an 8/10
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