Novocaine (2025) delivers a potent mix of dark comedy and hyper-violent action, a film that embraces its outrageous premise with enthusiasm. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, and starring Jack Quaid, the movie centers on a man who can’t feel pain.
Quaid plays Nathan Caine, a bank employee with Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA). His condition, usually a serious detriment, becomes the film’s core when his love interest, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped during a bank heist. Nathan, driven by his pain-free state, embarks on a rescue mission, evolving from a cautious individual into a surprisingly resilient, if somewhat inept, action hero.
The film’s strength lies in its commitment to this outlandish premise.
The directors don’t shy away from the graphic implications of Nathan’s condition. He withstands a series of increasingly gruesome injuries – impaling’s, shootings, and bone-crunching impacts – reacting with a mixture of bewilderment and mild annoyance. This comparison of extreme violence and Nathan’s nonchalant reactions creates a unique and darkly, humorous tone.
Quaid delivers a performance that balances Nathan’s initial timidity with his later, pain-fueled tenacity. He’s both relatable and ridiculous, making the audience root for this unlikely hero. Midthunder, while somewhat seen as a damsel-in-distress role, brings a quiet strength to Sherry.
Novocaine (2025) has flaws. The plot, while functional, is straightforward, and the film sometimes favors extreme set pieces over narrative coherence. Some humor may miss the mark, and the intense violence might be off-putting to some. However, for those who enjoy the absurd and can stomach gore, Novocaine 2025 offers a wild and entertaining ride. It’s a film that embraces silliness, delivering a blend of action and comedy that is both shocking and surprisingly fun. I’d recommend checking out ‘Novacaine’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of three stars. You can watch it at your local Cinema today. Director: Dan Berk; Robert Olsen – Rating: 16– Genre: Action/Thriller – Run Time: 1h 50m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
When my Mam wanted to update her kitchen, she opted for the chalk paint trend. Herself, my sister and me used sugar soap to scrub the cupboards, then painted them with French paint. The result was ok (ish). We did our best, but honestly, it didn’t look fantastic and she ended up getting a whole new kitchen soon after.
When my Aunt said she was repainting her kitchen we thought, Uh-Oh, this won’t end well! But she opted for a kitchen respray, done by professionals (unlike the DIY job we did) The result was stunning! Her kitchen went from plain pine, to a glossy, sleek and trendy charcoal. When she told us the cost we were astonished, it was 1/5th the cost of a new kitchen but looked brand new!
We were so interested in this method of respraying cupboards to transform them, that we decided to do it in our own kitchen. We spoke with TJ & Simon from UPVC Respray Ireland about it and they explained how it works. First you choose your colour (there’s a massive range of colours like duck egg blue, charcoal, classic navy, deep red and lots more), then the guys come to do the job. They put protective covers on the surroundings areas before the respray and it can be done in one day. They use a superior type of paint which creates less fumes, dries quickly, leave a gorgeous finish and is washable; so easy to maintain afterwards.
We’d been thinking about replacing our kitchen at a cost of around 10k but our cupboards are in perfect condition and we like our kitchen layout, so the respray was ideal! It’s affordable, eco-friendly, takes less time and creates less mess than a new kitchen. See more at https://www.upvcrespray.ie/
We finished off our new look kitchen with a handmade wreath from gorgeous flower shop & café Willow & Wisp. We gave Madeline a pic of our kitchen and she designed the wreath to match. She also matches them for front doors – just send her a pic and she’ll make something gorgeous that will compliment your door/kitchen colour. Check them out here -https://www.instagram.com/willow.and.wisp.flowers?igsh=ZjV2ZGRnMnh5bmhu
Visit us on www.mams.ie for more home décor Inspo!
By Dave Kavanagh
After many years and a number of delays, “Auto Enrolment” is due to commence in September of this year and is estimated to affect about 800,000 employees in Ireland. In a drive to make sure that people are planning for their income in retirement, auto enrolment is a process that will commence to deduct a payment from salary from the employee, which will be matched by the employer and have an additional contribution from Government. Initially, this will be 1.5% from the employee, 1.5% from the employer and 0.5% from Government. In years 4-6 this will increase to 3% from employees, 3% from the employer and 1% from Government, rising in years 7-9 to 4.5% from employees, 4.5% from employers and 1.5% from Government, and from year 10 and onwards, 6% employees, 6% employers and 2% from Government.
So who will be included in auto enrolment? Presently, the criteria for inclusion is employees aged 23-60 who earn at least €20,000 per annum and who are not included in an existing pension scheme that is deducted through payroll. So if someone is already included in a company pension scheme, a company PRSA scheme (personal retirement savings account) or even a personal PRSA plan that is deducted through payroll, they will not be included. Self employed people will also be exempt. If someone pays for their own personal pension or PRSA by direct debit from their own bank account, they can continue to do this but will also be included in auto enrolment. Of the 800,000 employees likely to be affected, it is estimated that 200,000 of these are on the higher tax rate of 40% and it is these higher rate tax payers that should consider an alternative option as the benefits to them will not be as good as the 40% tax relief on their contributions to a scheme done through their payroll.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.
The Fingal County Council Arts Office has announced that there are now a number of awards and residencies available for 2025, providing welcome support for professional artists across a range of career stages and disciplines.
To help artists prepare their submissions in advance, a new calendar has been produced which showcases the various organisations that Fingal has partnered with and provides a time stamp for the opening and closing dates for each award.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: “Art cultivates a community’s sense of belonging and pride, which is why we want to support artists as much as possible so they can share their passion and creativity with the public. For over 20 years Fingal has been celebrating the amazing contribution of artists across the county, and we know that these awards and bursaries have really helped develop the careers of local talent in different disciplines.”
The awards and residencies include: The Performing Arts Forum; The Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts; The Ardgillan Castle Studio Award; Tyrone Guthrie Centre and Age & Opportunity; The Graphic Studio Dublin Fine Art Print Residency; The Draíocht Studio Award and The MART Gallery and Studios Graduate Award.
Fingal County Council Arts Officer, Sarah O’Neil remarks: “This showcase detailing our upcoming awards and residencies is essential for professional artists, as it offers both space and time in order to expand and strengthen their practice. These awards also offer a nurturing environment allowing artists to connect with their peers, which is one of our strategic goals of the Fingal County Council Arts plan 2019-2025, ‘Connecting People and Ideas.”
To view the awards calendar go to: https://ow.ly/EW6B50VftuW. More information on each of these awards and residencies will become available on our website and online closer to the time of applications opening. To find out more about current and previous awards, please see: www.fingalarts.ie and www.fingal.ie/arts
By Jack Shanley
With Adrian Maben’s 1972 film, “Pink Floyd at Pompeii,” returning to cinemas in stunning IMAX from April 24th, its only right to review this classic. The film is less a concert film and more a hypnotic, surrealist document of a band at their creative zenith. Filmed over four days in the eerily silent ruins of Pompeii’s ancient amphitheatre, it captures Pink Floyd performing without an audience, stripped bare of spectacle, and bathed in the stark, natural light of the Italian sun.
The absence of an audience transforms the performance into a ritualistic exploration of sound and space. The band, young and intense, play with a raw energy that contrasts sharply with their later, more polished stadium shows. Visually, the film is a masterstroke. Maben’s use of long, sweeping shots, close-ups of the band members’ intense concentration, and the stark, sun-drenched ruins create a powerful sense of isolation and timelessness. The lack of stage lighting or special effects focuses the viewer’s attention on the music itself, allowing the viewer to truly appreciate the band’s artistry. The intercut footage of the band in the studio, working on the “Dark Side of the Moon” sessions, provides a fascinating glimpse into their creative process, hinting at the masterpiece that was to come.
The upcoming IMAX release promises to elevate this experience to a whole new level. The sheer scale and clarity of the IMAX format will undoubtedly enhance the film’s visual and incredible sound. Imagine the vastness of the amphitheatre, the intricate details of the ruins, and the raw power of the band’s performance, all rendered in stunning detail on a giant screen.
The panoramic shots of Pompeii will be breathtaking on the IMAX screen, immersing you in the film’s unique atmosphere. This IMAX release is not just a remaster; it’s a reimagining of a classic film, a chance to experience the magic of “Pink Floyd at Pompeii” in a way that has never been possible before.
I’d recommend checking out “Pink Floyd at Pompeii,” and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of FIVE stars. You can watch it at Odean or the Lighthouse Cinema. Director: Adrian Maben– Rating: 12A – Genre: Documentary/Musical – Run Time: 1h 32m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
If you are planning an Easter hunt, here are some clues for hiding spots you can use to make it a fun treasure hunt style game for the kids!
If you’ve got teens and want to treat them to something other than chocolate this Easter, the new make-up collection from Sabrina Carpenter, ‘Sweet Tooth’ has beauty products shaped like chocolate bars. Fab treat for teens along with some yummy Easter eggs.
For Mammies, Irish brand Mervue Organic has a beautiful range of skincare including body oils, serums, as well as soy candles and diffusers which all smell amazing!
If you are planning a family break this Easter, Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan is an ideal spot. Close to buses and trains for easy access to Dublin, right beside the beach and just up the road from Flynn Park which is now open for 2025. Flynn Park is a wonderful spot for families with loads of activities both on and off the water, including paintball and the Aqua Lough!
Another fab spot for a family break is Silken Thomas in Kildare town. We’re heading down over Easter with our kids. It’s close to Irish National Stud and near Kildare Village, so all our kids will be happy! The food, music and atmosphere in Silken Thomas is fantastic – if you haven’t been, we highlight recommend!
By Dave Kavanagh
At times when the topic of insurance cover comes up, it’s usually Life Cover that springs to mind. Something that pays out a sum of money in the event of death is not everyone’s favourite topic over a coffee. But other types of cover, sometimes referred to as Living Benefits, should certainly be considered by anyone that would suffer a financial loss in certain eventualities. Firstly, Income Protection. If someone cannot work due to any illness or injury and suffers a loss of income, they can be paid up to 75% of their usual salary, either until they can return to work or up to a chosen retirement age if they can never return to work. Consider what the impact would be if your current salary dropped to the current state illness benefit for a couple of years. Next, Serious Illness Cover. This pays out a tax free lump sum on diagnosis of any of the illnesses that are covered. While companies in Ireland cover approximately 50-60 different illnesses (as well as many more minor events that pay partial payments) the vast majority of claims in Ireland, are for “The Big 5”, Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Loss of Independence. The key is to get cover in place while you are relatively young and in good health, not just because there is a much higher chance of being accepted for cover but because the premiums are so much cheaper. At present, a 29-year-old putting a convertible term plan with €250,000 life cover and €100,000 serious illness cover for a 30-year term, would cost €48.78 per month. A 49-year-old doing the same levels of cover but for only a 10-year term (both finishing at age 59) would cost €128.74 per month. Lastly, introduced in recent times is Multi Claim Protection Cover. Similar in many ways to Serious Illness Cover, this option allows people to claim for more events on a needs basis. For example, if someone has a heart attack, a percentage is paid out. If they were required to stay in hospital for a certain period, a further percentage is paid out, and again if follow up treatment is required, another payment. While everyone’s needs are different, it’s worth taking time to see what is right for you.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.
By Jack Shanley
In a world where technology seamlessly integrates with daily life “Companion” (2025) explores the complex relationship between humans and A.I. The film follows Iris, a young woman who discovers she is a companion android designed for human companionship. As Iris grapples with her identity and the limitations of her programmed existence, the line between human and machine blurs, raising questions about autonomy, control, and the very nature of love.
Sophie Thatcher delivers a captivating performance as Iris, portraying her vulnerability and strength with nuance. Jack Quaid shines as Josh, the man who initially appears to be Iris’s loving companion but whose true motives become increasingly ambiguous. The supporting cast, including Lukas Gage as the enigmatic Patrick, adds depth to the narrative, each character embodying a different facet of the human-AI dynamic.
The cinematography captures the beauty and unease of Iris’s world, while the soundtrack amplifies the film’s emotional core. The script is thought-provoking, exploring themes of identity, free will, and a view of advanced technology.
“Companion” is not without its flaws. Some plot developments may strain credulity, and the film occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the sci-fi genre. However, its strengths may far outweigh its weaknesses. The film’s exploration of complex themes, combined with its strong performances and compelling visuals, make it a decent watch for fans of science fiction and thought-provoking cinema.
Ultimately, “Companion” is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement. It somewhat of a scary view of the future and with the film being told from an A.I perspective, I naturally felt a bit uneasy. I also understood that the humans were at fault., but It all goes back to Kubrick’s great 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in which he views it as humans becoming far too comfortable with technology that it would eventually consume us empower A.I and take over. Its with ‘Companion’ that you can kind of feel the same energy.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Companion’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of three stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Drew Hancock– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Sci-fi – Run Time: 1h 37m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Spring is great time to declutter the house and garden. Charity shops are glad of donations but it’s a good idea to get a skip too for those items you need to get rid of. We shopped around and got the same size skip from Oxigen for €120 less than another local skip company! They delivered and picked up when they say they would and the customer service was great. Happy to recommend them!
March is for treating the Mammies on Mother’s day. If you are on a budget, make her breakfast in bed, run her a bubble bath or cook her a nice dinner. If you want to take her somewhere nice, we love Silken Thomas in Kildare. They have an award-winning bar and restaurant and their accommodation is beautiful. Spoil her to a meal or mini break or surprise her with a Silken Thomas gift voucher. I brought my Mam recently and we loved it; we cannot wait to go back!
For personalised gifts, Wanapix has a great range for Mother’s day. Use CODE MAMSIE for a 15% discount. I love my personalised Wanapix travel bag with my name on, I use it as a tote bag all the time. And my hubby loves his special ‘Dad’ glass!
If your Mam enjoys a pool and spa, Farnham Estate is stunning. It’s worth going for indoor/outdoor pool alone. Relax in the warm outdoor pool while breathing in the country air. It’s magical! Their spa is fabulous, and accommodation and food are top notch. We love it so much we had a family wedding there!
Need some gift inspo and wanna keep it Irish? Hampers & Co. have hampers to suit every taste and budget. I especially love their wellness hampers. One Dame Lane has beautiful jewellery and gift sets. Cocoa Brown have budget friendly tanning sets. We are loving Wired Irish Crafts quirky candles – especially the coconut and bamboo. Stitch-a-name personalised fluffy robes and silky pyjamas are lovely. For hair lovers, Olaplex or Alfaparf gift sets are in salons and etailers. For theatre lovers, a voucher for National Concert Hall is a wonderful gift. The Design Gallery in Drogheda has lots of gift ideas and they gift wrap free of charge! Follow us on mams.ie in the run up to Mother’s day for more gift ideas and competitions!
By Dave Kavanagh
In Ireland, inheritance tax and gift tax are both under Capital Acquisition Tax. In 2022 in Ireland, there was over €600 million collected in Capital Acquisition Tax. It also includes estates that may have been taxed in previous generations. For example, if someone left an estate worth €1,000,000 to an only daughter, she would (in the current tax year) have a tax bill of just under €200,000. After she pays the bill and puts what’s left in the bank, any interest is taxed (DIRT). Guess what happens when she passes and leaves her estate behind? It’s taxed again! So what has changed? Spouses can leave any amount to each other tax free. After that, the three new thresholds are, a) Children - €400,000, b) Other close relatives - €40,000 and c) All others (including cohabiting partners) - €20,000. Everything received above these is taxed at 33%.
So, is there any way to prevent it? There are two main actions that can either reduce or eradicate such a tax bill. The first is to take the time to plan when making a will. Let’s say a value of €900,000 was being left to 2 adult children. (Not a big estate if you combine a house, savings and a life policy). This would create a tax bill of over €16,000. Instead, if €800,000 of it was left to the 2 children and the balance between a few grandchildren (at least 5), there is no tax bill. The second thing that can be done is for the person leaving the estate to take out a Section 72 plan. This is a type of life policy that is allowed to pay any tax liability without adding to the value of the estate. It becomes particularly important for anybody that does not have children to plan things out, as even other relatives can only receive €40,000 before any balance is taxed. These thresholds are particularly important for anybody in the process of planning or making their will.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.