But the film industry is in such a terrible slump that Paramount's R-rated action comedy "Novocaine" was able to take No. 1 with an opening weekend of just $8.7 million. That's a decent result for "Novocaine,

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.