Love Hurts is a movie marking Ke Huy Quan's first live-action role after his Oscar win for Everything Everywhere All at Once. This film combines martial arts action with elements of a romantic comedy and mob themes. It features Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose in leading roles. Jonathan Eusebio directed Love Hurts which is his first directorial venture after a career as stunt coordinator.
Recycling Hit Formulas: Action Comedy and Gore Define Love Hurts Movie
Love Hurts incorporates martial arts action within everyday settings. It blends life lessons with fight sequences. A notable aspect is its graphic violence with scenes depicting knife impalement eye gouging and forceful removal of duct tape. This emphasis on gore differentiates it from Everything Everywhere All at Once despite formula similarities.
Plot Synopsis: Realtor with a Secret Hitman Past and Returning Flame
Ke Huy Quan portrays Marvin Gable a realtor leading a double life. His outward persona of cheerfulness hides his history as a hitman. Marvin previously worked for his crime boss brother Knuckles played by Daniel Wu. Marvin was tasked with eliminating Rose played by Ariana DeBose his former love interest who had stolen money from the mob. Instead of killing her Marvin allowed Rose to escape. Rose returns seeking revenge on those who wronged her and to rekindle her romance with Marvin. The movie's narrative unfolds around Valentine's Day as highlighted by Marvin's voiceover.
Character Dynamics and Supporting Roles in Love Hurts Film
Marvin's character is juxtaposed with his realtor persona. His assistant Ashley played by Lio Tipton adds to the realtor world. Ashley develops a connection with a hired killer named Raven portrayed by Mustafa Shakir. Sean Astin appears as Marvin's real estate boss in a supporting role. Cam Gigandet plays Remy an underling of Knuckles.
Action Direction and Fight Choreography Led by Stunt Veteran Jonathan Eusebio
Jonathan Eusebio the director of Love Hurts has a background as a stunt coordinator with over 20 years of experience. His stunt work includes films from the Bourne and John Wick series. Consequently the film excels in fight choreography. However fight sequences are set in mundane locations like offices homes and clubs. The direction of non-action scenes is considered less assured.
Critical Reception of Love Hurts: Mixed Reviews and Comparisons
Early reviews for Love Hurts are mixed . Some critics find the movie struggles with commitment issues failing to fully deliver on romance action or comedy. The film is described as attempting to be both a throwback exploitation movie and a modern Action Comedy but not fully succeeding in either. Some reviewers noted the film's tone and script as weak points. Other reviews however acknowledge the well-choreographed fight scenes as a highlight. Comparisons are drawn to movies like John Wick Scott Pilgrim vs the World Nobody and Bullet Train in terms of style and action.
Runtime and Rating of Love Hurts Movie
Love Hurts has a runtime of 83 minutes. It received an R rating for violence and language.
Release Details for Love Hurts Movie
Love Hurts was released in Australia on February 6 and in the US and UK on February 7.
Ke Huy Quan's Dual Role and Ariana DeBose as Femme Fatale
Ke Huy Quan portrays Marvin Gable in a dual role as a cheerful realtor and former hitman. Ariana DeBose plays Rose Carlisle as a femme fatale character. However some reviews suggest DeBose's portrayal lacks the necessary edge for the role. The romantic chemistry between Quan and DeBose is described as weak.
Production and Genre Blending of Love Hurts Film
David Leitch known for action movies produced Love Hurts. The film attempts to blend action with Romantic Comedy elements. Some critics argue that this genre mix is not effectively executed. The movie's visual style and score incorporate elements of exploitation cinema and noir but lack consistent stylistic execution. The film is noted for its focus on action sequences over nuanced character development or plot coherence.
Goonies Reunion: Sean Astin and Ke Huy Quan in Love Hurts
Love Hurts features a reunion of The Goonies actors Ke Huy Quan and Sean Astin. Sean Astin plays Marvin's boss in a supporting role. This reunion is noted as a point of interest for fans of The Goonies.