Action films don’t usually add to one’s knowledge bank, but Novocaine is an exception to that rule.  It introduced me to the untreatable medical condition “congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis” which is otherwise known as CIPA.  It’s an extremely rare nervous system disorder where the person cannot feel pain or temperature.  Many don’t survive beyond the age of 25 because injuries and infections go unnoticed (they can’t feel them), and an inability to sweat leads to high body temperatures.

Credit to screenwriter Lars Jacobson who has found a humorous means to weave CIPA into a fast-paced action comedy.  Our protagonist, Nathan Caine (Quaid), is an assistant manager for a San Diego-based credit union.  He suffers from CIPA and must be extremely careful about his daily routines.  He avoids eating solid foods (in case he bites his tongue and doesn’t realise) and sets an alarm every 3 hours to designate a bathroom break.  On a personal note, he lives alone, struggles with making friends, and now keeps his medical condition a secret after being bulled at high school.

Two happenings set the stage for the film’s essence.  Firstly, he finally garners the courage to go on a date with a colleague, Sherry (Midthunder), who has expressed a romantic interest.  Secondly, Sherry is then taken hostage by bank robbers after a heist gone wrong.  Quickly dispensing of his introverted nature, Nathan then goes on a passionate chase across the city to rescue his newfound love.  The “bad guys” inflict an array of bruises, gashes, and broken bones but hey, when you can’t feel pain, it’s a lot easier to carry on and keep fighting back.

Novocaine is an entertaining jaunt.  I’ll concede that it doesn’t always make sense, and you must “lean into” the silliness but if looking for a movie which nicely balances comedy and action, it’s a clear winner.  Jack Quaid has had a nice start to year with this lead turn coming on top of the strong Companion (a shame it underperformed at the box-office).  He fits nicely into the role of Nathan Caine and creates a humorous blend of shyness, stupidity, and bravery.  He’s a character worth rooting for.

Like last week’s A Working Man, it’s the villains who drag things down.  I realise the film has an intentionally goofy tone, but I hoped for more in terms of their ambition and personality.  They’re a dull bunch.  The better material has been saved for the two San Diego police detectives, played by Betty Gabriel (Get Out) and Matt Walsh (Veep), trying to piece the increasingly bizarre series of events together.

A good recommendation for those in need of amusement… it’s thumbs up for Novocaine.