In what’s shaping up to be an exceptionally disappointing weekend at the box office, all three films poised to claim the top three spots have one thing in common. They’ve all earned the same grade on CinemaScore, the polling platform that tabulates how likely a viewer is to recommend a movie to others.Novocainefinds itself in a tight race for the number one spot with the holdover releaseMickey 17, directed byBong Joon Hoand starringRobert Pattinson. Meanwhile, the week’s other new release, directorSteven Soderbergh’s espionage thrillerBlack Bag, is currently expected to claim the third spot.
BothBlack BagandNovocaine, likeMickey 17,earned a B CinemaScore from opening day audiences. This doesn’t bode too well for the future; typically, a movie that earns a high CinemaScore grade survives longer in theaters. ButNovocaine’s positive reviews might come in handy. The movie currently holds a “fresh” 81% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, with its audience score currently standing at an even better 88%.In his review, Collider’sJeff EwingdescribedNovocaineas “a gory, bonkersaction-comedypremise anchored by a set of strong performances and asurprisingly poignant meet-cute, making for a wildly memorable action outing.”
StarringJack Quaid, the movie was directed byDan BerkandRobert Olsen. Quaid most recently starred in the horror-thrillerCompanion, which earned a slightly superior B+ CinemaScore. The movie ended up grossing $20 million domestically and over $35 million worldwide, against a reported production budget of around $10 million. InNovocaine, Quaid plays a man who feels no pain; the action comedy wasproduced on a reported budget of $18 million.Novocaineis poised to gross around $8 million this weekend, which means that it will have to rely on those positive reviews for further traction.
Jack Quaid Is on a Roll
Quaid broke out with a leading role in the blockbuster Prime Video seriesThe Boys. He also played a memorable supporting role inChristopher Nolan’s Oscar-winningOppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide a couple of years ago. Prior to that, Quaid starred inScream, the fifth installment in the slasher franchise, which made nearly $140 million worldwide in 2022. Also starringAmber Midthunder,Ray Nicholson,Betty GabrielandJacob Batalon,Novocaineis playing in theaters. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Jack Quaid stars as Nathan Caine, a bank executive with congenital insensitivity to pain. When his girlfriend is kidnapped during a bank robbery, his rare condition becomes his greatest asset in a daring rescue mission.
