Novocaine (2025)

Novocaine’s best scenes have no action in them. Nathan Caine, a timid credit union assistant manager in San Diego who can’t feel pain, finally goes out with his coworker Sherry, and their awkward, sweet first date, complete with a hot sauce revenge on his old middle school bully, is the strongest stretch in the movie. Then robbers hit the credit union and take Sherry with them, and Nathan gives chase. From there it spends the rest of its 110 minutes trying to top itself with new ways he can get hurt without flinching. The gimmick is funny for a while, then repetitive. Jack Quaid keeps it watchable, playing Nathan as a nervous guy way out of his depth, and Amber Midthunder gives Sherry real spark. Jacob Batalon helps as Roscoe, the buddy who actually shows up. It made $34.5 million worldwide on a reported $18 million budget. A 6.5 because the two leads are charming together and the joke runs thin. $7,654 says you stub your toe this week and try to play it cool like Nathan, and fail.

What works: Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder have easy, likable chemistry, and the early romance is sweeter and funnier than it needs to be.

What doesn’t: Once the chase starts, the no-pain gimmick turns into a repetitive string of escalating injuries instead of a story.

Who it’s for: Action comedy fans who like a lovable underdog lead and don’t mind wincing a lot.