"Novocaine" is off to a good start at the box office with an estimated $8.5 million opening weekend, but the marketplace is in a terrible slump.

Paramount’s Novocaine made $1.75M in previews — but that’s not just from last night, rather advance screenings from last weekend as well. The R-rated action comedy, which cost a net $18M before P&A, is expected to lead the box office with anywhere from $8M-$12M,

“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.