‘Painful to watch’ isn’t often a term of praise, but this action-comedy about a man who loses the ability to feel physical discomfort channels its unusual, nerve-numbing premise into a fun and oddly romantic ride.

It's very inventive for what it is.

...[Novocaine is] billed as a comedy but the joke goes missing in the first few minutes amid the volume of blood splashed around on the screen.

It’s far from perfect, but Quaid’s infectious personality makes for a fun enough time.