Movie theaters haven’t exactly been bustling since the start of 2025 and the calendar year is about to turn in one of its most meagre frames yet. Even with two new wide releases - Paramount’s slapstick actioner “Novocaine” and Focus Features’ spy film “Black Bag” - exhibitors are in danger of a particularly beleaguered weekend,

Paramount's Novocaine made $1.75 million in previews and the R-rated action comedy might lead the box office this weekend with anywhere from $8M-$12M,

Dan Berk and Robert Olsen's action comedy Novocaine starring Jack Quaid can take some pride that it has earned the superlative "#1 Movie In The United States and Canada," but you'll note looking at the Top 10 that things are going a big slow on the theatrical front these days. Scope out the numbers in the chart below and join me after for analysis.

Jack Quaid’s action-comedy “ Novocaine ” topped a painfully slow weekend at the box office with $8.7 million. For theater owners, however, there’s not too much to celebrate: It’s one of the worst debuts to still capture the No. 1 spot (at least since the pandemic ground moviegoing to a halt).

Jack Quaid's action comedy film is looking to dethrone Mickey 17 at what might be the year's softest weekend at the box office so far.