NOVOCAINE

2001

I have an intelligent dentist, so it's hard to imagine any dentist...in fact, any MAN, being as stupid as the character portrayed by Steve Martin in this appropriately named film. Dentist take note: if you're looking to save money, show this film to your patients while you're working on them, and you won't need that nitrous oxide. The film is a series of boring stretches, interrupted by a thoroughly unbelievable and gory plot. A dentist in lust, tells a simple lie to cover up his indiscretion, and this lie escalates into an avalanche. A cast of fine actors(Helena Bonham Carter, Laura Dern, Scott Caan, and an unbilled Kevin Bacon) is wasted on this ridiculous story. Steve Martin was there in person to receive the Career Excellence Award. His hilarious acceptance speech was the best part of the evening!

1 Star

NJB