Novacaine - 8.8./10

Jadd J.A.D.D. Jadd

This is such a fun time at the movies or to stream at home for a good date night. The story and script are tightened up nicely, and they are full of twists I didn't see coming. It's simple and to the point. The same can be said about the editing; it has no fat on it and goes at a good and steady pace. Jack Quaid is very believable, likable, and empathetic as the man. He portrays what living with this condition is like and how he reacts to pain.

Amber Midthunder is wonderful as an emotional anchor and knocks it out of the park with her performance as she continues to rise to stardom. Ray Nicholson is having tons of fun, just chewing up the scenery. The supporting cast is excellent having characters like Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh (comedian) and Lou Beatty Jr. Jacob Batalon was good in the MCU Spider-Man movies but he shows his range here and is one of the highlights of the movie.

The action sequences hold no punches and are filmed and stunted superbly They are taking their leave from the best of the best action movies and is really heightened and elevated.

However, it does overstay its welcome by going on for another 10 minutes, and the main villain is pretty one-dimensional. He's chaotic and violent because he likes it, and there's nothing else for him. Now, I praised the editing, but if I had to nitpick their cuts of small details that kind of messed up the continuity of the scene. Again, with how much I praised the tight editing, it kept going with another ending that was tacked on. It had a good ending, but continued because it just wanted to run out the run time.

This feels like an independent film mixed with a graphic novel. If you saw this movie in theatres or on streaming, you're in for a wild and entertaining time.