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Novocaine
User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7

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  1. Tony
    Jan 13, 2002
    9
    Strangely intriguing.... Appeals to a desire for dark, dark comedy. But it is the acting that makes this great Helena Bonham Carter steals the show, but Laura Dern is believable throughout her character's various permetations... and Steve Martin face nicely conveys his fear that he will be convicted of murder or his hair will be messed up. Both events would equally be tragic for the good doctor. Not the best movie out there, but certainly different than the normal, easy to follow, and an example of fine performances by good actors.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. FrankO.
    Jan 15, 2006
    9
    Second time watching this movie...a wild premise and great cinematograhy with black/white scenes. Good use of the cast, great plot twists. A guilty pleasure not seen by many people.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. AlexK.
    Dec 5, 2001
    8
    Utterly predictable but oddly enjoyable. So long as Martin isn't trying to act sarcastic he has great screen presence, and with Bonham Carter you always get a solid performance. Kevin Bacon's cameo is practically worth seeing the movie for. Contrary to most reviews, the dark humor of the film improves drastically after the first forty minutes or so... maybe not the kind of "achievement" Atkins hoped for as a first-time director, but easy to recommend. But has NO ONE noticed the strange and complete rip-off of "The Whole Nine Yards" near the end?… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. KevinB.
    Dec 1, 2002
    8
    Most underrated movie of the year. Has more than enough charms to make you forgive its flaws! I could watch it again and again.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
45 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Chris Kaltenbach
    63
    Novocaine is neither funny enough to be a comedy, nor dark enough to be a true film noir. Like the drug of the title, it just kind of leaves you numb and anxious to taste the good stuff once again.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Mark Caro
    50
    The absurd meets the violent meets the droll, and we just watch from the outside, never having been drawn in by anything resembling believable feelings or behavior.
  3. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kim Morgan
    50
    The film is weighed down by the decision of director David Atkins to throw too much into the mix. The result is a serious problem of consistency.
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