Rating: 
Summary: Will the REAL Helena Bonham Carter Please Stand Up...
Review: Rarely does the title of a film say as much about it as this one does; because by the time you get to the end, there's a good chance you're going to feel quite numb, as if you've been given a body-size shot of novocaine. And it's not because there's so much wrong with this film-- it's just that there's not too much right about it; it's seemingly beyond the help of even it's high profile cast, and that's even if they were, indeed, trying to help in the first place. Unfortunately, the evidence-- with regards to one of the stars of the project, at any rate-- inexplicably points to the contrary, and it leaves "Novocaine," written and directed by David Atkins, somewhere out on a limb; a precarious place to be, considering that the tree itself was not strong enough to take root in the first place. Simply put, this one's on such shaky ground that you'll be convinced that there has to be a fault line running along beneath it somewhere, and while you're trying to figure out where, you just might miss the point of the whole thing, which is something along the lines of "If You Play With Fire You'll Get Burned." Or better yet, pick your own platitude and fill in the blank. Either way, there's not going to be any getting around the numb thing. Just accept it, and try to move on. Frank Sangster (Steve Martin) is a dentist with a successful practice, a beautiful finance, Jean (Laura Dern), and a future that promises more of the same. Until one day out of the blue, Susan (Helena Bonham Carter), a new patient, shows up at his office with a toothache. And before it's over, he gives her a root canal, and she gives him the "works," which includes wheedling a prescription of Demerol out of him. Can it be she has a drug problem? Can Frank smell scam? Apparently not, because the next day the entire drug supply in his office is missing, and so is Susan. She does leave one of her more personal items behind in the office, however, and when Jean gets wind of it, Frank-- to paraphrase a famous line-- has some 'splaining to do. And in veritably a nanosecond, the life of one Frank Sangster is turned upside down, and that old gravity, reality, begins it's pull on him; and there's only one way it can possibly take him: Suffice to say, it isn't up. Bringing a feature film to the screen is no easy task, and it must be especially challenging to make the attempt while wearing two hats (writer and director). And from all appearances, this is where Atkins gets into trouble, as the problems with this film (and there are many) begin with the screenplay. Writer Atkins simply doesn't give director Atkins much to work with, and it just may be that he was too close to his own material, which prevented him from seeing it objectively. And that objective viewpoint is something this film needed. Badly. With the exception of a pivotal element of the climax, there is nothing original about the story at all, and that single element is too ludicrous to be effective, or believable. And therein lies the basic problem with the film: Even if you manage to suspend disbelief while watching it, you would still need an imagination with a Gumby-like flexibility before any of it would seem convincing or the least bit probable. Given a best case scenario, the story just isn't plausible at all. The dialogue is poorly scripted (For instance, as it unfolds, no less than three characters ask Frank, "Can I ask you a personal question?" which is about two times too many to be credible), the execution of the material lacks the fine-tuning it needs and, inexplicably, the actors fail to bring any definition at all to their characters (they needed help, "direction," and obviously Atkins-- for whatever reason-- was unable to supply it). Filmmaking is inherently a collaborative enterprise, and when a project lacks that cohesive unity, it invariably has a negative impact on the final product. And it certainly does here. Steve Martin turns in what is arguably the most convincing performance of the film, but it is far from his best work. His portrayal of Frank lacks the nuance he usually brings to the characters he creates, and the result is a fairly nondescript protagonist. And, though Frank comes across as "real" overall, Martin fails to really get into his skin or to explore the motivations that drive Frank on to doing what he does; and because of all that precedes it, as well as the way in which it is presented, what would have been merely a ridiculous ending becomes absolutely ludicrous. Martin has a good go at it, but in the end he barely manages to keep his Frank afloat, and under closer scrutiny, the credibility slowly begins to unravel. Helena Bonham Carter, meanwhile, gives a performance that doesn't hold up to a casual glance, let alone close scrutiny, and it's one of the biggest surprises of the film. The usually reliable Carter-- who is a terrific, versatile actor-- winds up with possibly the most unrealistic character she's ever created. For this film to work, the audience must believe that Susan is an addict; But there is nothing in Carter's portrayal to confirm, or even indicate, that this is the case. And here, more than anywhere else, is where the credibility of the entire film dissolves, negating any of the more positive aspects in the balance. It's a one-dimensional, one note character, and it takes it's toll on the whole picture. Laura Dern has also done better work-- though, as Jean, she looks good, and certainly brings a lot of energy to the film. A decent effort, but it's not enough to save "Novocaine," and-- like the audience-- she gets little return on the investment of her time here.
Rating: 
Summary: One of Steve Martin's Better Comedies
Review: Steve Martin plays a dentist who becomes a murder suspect after he gets involved with a female patient who is a drug addict. He makes some wrong decisions to try and cover himself and ends up digging himself in deeper and deeper.
It's one of Steve Martin's better comedies. Entertaining and suspenseful.
Rating: 
Summary: Root canals anyone?...............
Review: Steve Martin's kind of humor obviously is not for everyone, but he happens to be an intelligent actor who can make seeing a film like this a joy. The only problem is in which direction are we being sent: Is it a film noir? Is it a comedy, or what? But after you settle down, this is a winning film, you won't be sorry you came. The acting is great. Not only is Mr. Martin good, but the rest of the cast, especially, Laura Dern, who's always a pleasure to watch in anything she does. Ms. Bonham-Carter is equally effective, playing as she does in this film, against type. The direction by David Atkins is good, as are the beginning credits, which are a lot of fun to watch.
Rating: 
Summary: Steve does Hitchcock
Review: Steve Martin's new film is a nice redirection from his overtly comic work (though even when Steve is serious, he's funny). It harkens towards his role in the Spanish Prisoner only he is more the focus in this movie. The entire cast does a great job and the end result is a very entertaining Hitchcockian thriller/black comedy. If you're looking for Parenthood then look somewhere else, if you're looking for a unique and well-executed thriller then this is it.
Rating:
Summary: Je Ne Sais Quoi
Review: Steve, I hope you read reviews! Okay guys: take the characters, take the plot, take the twists and turns, take the sideways no-that-can't-be where-did-that-come-from and throw in a good white sauce (oh did I mention do it in French) and you'd have a typical FRENCH movie. Sheesh, weren't the provincial props enought to set the scene? Can you see as far as 'The Continent'? Steve went all 'European' on you and you didn't even notice. Cheers Steve, I loved it. I could tell because it was one of those films I was 'still thinking about' for several days afterwards. Steve. I got IT. Viva La Martin!!!
Rating: 
Summary: NUMB AND NUMB-ER
Review: Strange and disappointing. A great cast, Steve Martin, Helena Bonham Carter and Laura Dern can't resurrect this embarrassing attempt at black comedy about an engaged dentist (Martin) who has an affair with a druggie (Carter) and then gets framed for murder. First time writer director David Atkins comes from a family of dentists but that's just not enough to justify the green-lighting of this amateurish mish mash of a movie. There is one great moment with an unbilled Kevin Bacon playing an actor doing research for a movie role as a cop. His scenes grilling Martin are dead on. The rest of the movie is just plain dead. In the so so supplemental material, Steve Martin says, "The only reason I signed on was that I once was in a David Mamet movie and wanted to be in another one with a guy named David." He has a pained expression and it's clear he sadly realizes -- perhaps after the fact -- this is a dud. What makes this film barely worth renting is the unexpected documentary, "Bitten," on forensic dentistry. At least no one says, "The tooth? You can't handle the tooth." I'd give this feature (minus the extras) zero stars but that rating isn't available.
Rating:
Summary: Deliciously Dark Comedy
Review: Taking a cheap shot at your dentist is a cherished and venerable tradition of gallows humor. There is no profession (except maybe lawyering) that takes it on the chin like denistry. Maybe that's why dentists have the highest suicide rate of any profession. David Atkin's feature debut, "Novocaine" is a dark comedy of an annoyingly smug dental practitioner who falls prey to a deliciously amoral femme fatale. Frank Sangster, played by Steve Martin, is a suburban dentist who has it all: a thriving practice, an attractive blonde dental hygenist/fiance (Laura Dern) and even a television monitor showing a relaxing travelouge of rustic Italy for patients to watch, as he performs root canals on them. Susan Ivey (Helena Bonham Carter) is the girl all of our mothers warned us about. From the moment she slithers into his office seeking percodan for recreational purposes, we know that this woman will cut a path of murder and mayhem across Sangster's thin veneer of respectability. Helena Bonaham Carter takes a break from costume epics and sizzles as the decandent, drug addled Susan. Clearly Bonaham Carter delights in her over-the-top characterization of Susan and is sublimely funny as she cunningly manipulates Steve Martin to do her will. Kevin Bacon is a good actor who has made a lot of bad career decisions. In "Novocaine" he shines as a self-absorbed method actor studying for a police detective role and unwittingly stays one step ahead of actual detectives with his by-the-numbers, Hollywood scripted analysis of the crime. If you liked the farce "Election" with Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon you will probably love this movie. It's too bad "Novocaine" had such a short run at the art houses but I'm hoping it will find a new life when it is released in the DVD and VHS formats.
Rating:
Summary: Theater Viewing
Review: Terriffic perfomances by Steve Martin & Laura Dern. Supporting cast a plus as well.
A dark comedy revolving around crime, passion, obsession,
and posession. Dern is all the rave, she becomes her role
as the perfect hygenist love interest to Martin. Martin seems to be entering a mid-life crisis: enter, Helena Bonham-Carter. At moments a desire to just slap the characters arises, quickly passing with some unnerving scenes. Laugh out loud situations. Leaving you begging for more gas. Eagerly awaiting DVD release!
Rating:
Summary: Steve Martin Naked
Review: That's what it's all about.
For those of you who were disappointed in "Cheaper By The Dozen" for its lack of nudity, this one's for you. In the special features, Steve talks about what drew him into this neat little project. He pointedly does not mention that it was a chance for him to appear naked (seemingly) with Helena, which is something not to pass up.
He's perfect as a dentist with a perfect life, which is at first slightly tilted and then upset completely. He manages the required transitions of character with brilliant understatement.
It's his finest movie since Parenthood, and deserves your attention. You probably won't want to watch it more than twice, though. It's a plot twist special, and besides, how many times can you watch graphic tooth extractions?
Rating:
Summary: fast acting soporific
Review: The difference between watching this movie and actually visiting a dentist is that there is at least far more stimulation with the latter experience and at times less pain. Anyone who watches a movie that contains Steve Martin has high hopes. While the premise of this film is witty and highly creative, it ultimately lets the viewer down, worse than any depressant I've ever taken. Twisted, non-sensical and certainly humorless dialogue is delivered by an awkward cast and a vacuous script. The movie put me to sleep in the first five minutes, a much quicker acting soporific than Novocaine the drug and with a more bitter aftertaste.
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