Oscar Predictions: Novocaine

Jack Quaid is the unconventional titular character who feels no pain in Novocaine next weekend. The action comedy comes from directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen with Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, and Matt Walsh in the supporting cast.

Critics are mostly satisfied with what they’re seeing. The Rotten Tomatoes score is 89% with Metacritic at a more telling 68. This is not a feature made for the Academy’s microscope, but it’s worth entertaining whether Quaid could play at the Golden Globes in Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy (similar to Ryan Reynolds from Deadpool).

My guess is that Novocaine will not be on that awards body’s radar either several months down the line. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…

Novocaine Box Office Prediction

Paramount hopes Novocaine shows some teeth at the box office when it opens wide on March 14th. Jack Quaid headlines as a bank exec with a condition where he feels no pain. This turns him into a reluctant superhero during a hostage situation. Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, and Matt Walsh costar with Dan Berk and Robert Olsen directing.

Any hope of Deadpool size grosses can be easily forgotten as the marketing campaign isn’t too robust. With quiet buzz, the real question is whether this manages to top $10 million for its start. I suspect it may not despite a reported debut on 3200 screens.

Novocaine opening weekend prediction: $9.8 million

For my Black Bag prediction, click here:

For my The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie prediction, click here: