While labeled as a comedy "Novocaine" is not your typical Steve Martin comedy. And while there are elements of comedy throughout the movie this was actually more of a crime mystery. And it was actually a quite nice change of pace for Steve Martin.The movie is about Frank Sangster, a dentist whose life is rosy red and dandy. When he, against his better judgment, prescribes Demetol to an unusual client, he suddenly finds himself under suspicion and murder. One thing leads to the other and Franks is well in over his head.The storyline was actually quite good and well thought through, keeping the audience guessing at what is going on. Director David Atkins actually managed to put together a very entertaining movie.One of the things that really lifted up this movie was the impressive cast, which included Steve Martin, Laura Dern, Elias Koteas and of course Helena Bonham Carter. There is also two great cameos by Kevin Bacon and Keith David."Novocaine" is a unique Steve Martin movie that should definitely be seen if you enjoy Steve Martin movies.

Steve Martin is a great comedian but,usually,he does not choose his projects well.But,sometimes,Martin leaves the mediocre comedy and he participates on something serious and way better like The Spanish prisoner,Shopgirl or Novocaine,the movie I'll talk about on this commentary.This is a fun black comedy which is combined with a thriller story.I have to say it's really a pleasure to see Martin on a serious role like this one.He should participate on more movies like this one.The best thing about this movie is that there are so much unexpected things that anything can happen and it kept me in mystery.The cast is very well:I explained Martin is great,Helena Bonham Carter is a great actress and her performance is at her level,Keith David has a short but hilarious performance,Laura Dern is great but the great Kevin Bacon steals the show.He does not appear too much but he's brilliant and hilarious.The plot has original things,too.Novocaine is not a great movie but I have to say it kept me very fun.

Novocaine is a watchable mystery/drama/film noir/comedy. The performance of Steve Martin is very good, he proves once more that good comedians know a lot about timing and pacing. It's really a delight to watch him. And Laura Dern is even better! She plays a truly interesting role of a high octane, hyperactive maniac of a woman.Basically, the movie is about people who'd rather like to be somewhere else. The locations in clean, antiseptic no-man's land somewhere in the USA and the main character's fantasies about romantic French rural life (has ceased to exist a long time ago, I'm afraid - if it ever had existed) help to get that message through beautifully.

You could see it and enjoy it for no other reason than to watch Kevin Bacon as an actor preparing for a role. The man knows how to play parody. Even in a small (and uncredited) appearance he does amazing things.The rest of the movie is not bad, but predictable and unexciting. Steve Martin does a good job taking on a different kind of comedic role, less broad, and with a darker edge, but the movie doesn't support him. It takes itself too seriously to really laugh at, and it's too silly to take it seriously.Without giving anything away, the initial plot devices that get the story moving do not seem motivated by the characters. In particular, Steve Martin's character's actions early on are not behaviors I can really believe, but once it's done, the plot is underway, and you have no choice but to accept it or immediately take the movie out of the machine and return it to the video store.Scott Caan fans will also appreciate his presence. He was good.Bacon rules!