“Novocaine” only cost $18 million to produce, so (like its main character) it shouldn’t be feeling any pain at the box office. On the flip side, “Mickey 17” cost $118 million to produce and needs around $275 million to $300 million worldwide to make a profit.

Novocaine” — a new action comedy starring Jack Quaid— is battling Robert Pattinson’s “Mickey 17” in a stagnant weekend at the box office.