Love Hurts: A Rollercoaster of Action and Romance
Grade: C+
“Love Hurts,” directed by Jonathan Eusebio in his directorial debut, is a film that attempts to blend action and romance in a unique way. Starring Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, and Daniel Wu, the movie follows Marvin Gable (Quan), a former hitman turned real estate agent, who is pulled back into his old life when his brother and former partner resurface.
The film starts off strong with Marvin’s double life being revealed in a thrilling manner. Quan’s performance as Marvin is compelling, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He brings depth to the character, making the audience root for Marvin despite his shady past. Ariana DeBose, as Rose Carlisle, adds a spark to the film with her portrayal of a strong-willed lawyer who has a complicated history with Marvin.
Eusebio’s direction is commendable for its attempt to balance the action sequences with the romantic subplot. The action scenes are well-choreographed, with standout moments that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. However, the romantic elements feel somewhat underdeveloped, with the chemistry between Marvin and Rose not fully explored.
The supporting cast, including Mustafa Shakir as the poetry-obsessed assassin Raven and Rhys Darby as Marvin’s mentor Cliff, adds to the film’s appeal. However, some characters feel like they were included just to fill out the cast, rather than serving a significant purpose in the story.
One of the film’s strengths is its soundtrack, composed by Dominic Lewis, which complements the action and romance perfectly. The music enhances the emotional beats of the film and adds to the overall atmosphere.
Despite its strengths, “Love Hurts” struggles with pacing issues. Some scenes feel rushed, while others drag on, making the film feel uneven at times. The plot also takes some predictable turns, which can be a bit disappointing for viewers looking for something fresh and unexpected.
In conclusion, “Love Hurts” is an ambitious film that tries to blend action and romance but falls short in fully delivering on both fronts. While it has strong performances and some thrilling action sequences, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a film that has potential but needs a bit more refinement to truly shine.
For fans of Ke Huy Quan and those who enjoy a mix of action and romance, “Love Hurts” might be worth a watch. However, for those looking for a more polished and cohesive film, it might be best to look elsewhere.
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Movie Info:
Review:
“Love Hurts,” directed by Jonathan Eusebio in his directorial debut, is a film that attempts to blend action and romance in a unique way. Starring Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, and Daniel Wu, the movie follows Marvin Gable (Quan), a former hitman turned real estate agent, who is pulled back into his old life when his brother and former partner resurface.
The film starts off strong with Marvin’s double life being revealed in a thrilling manner. Quan’s performance as Marvin is compelling, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He brings depth to the character, making the audience root for Marvin despite his shady past. Ariana DeBose, as Rose Carlisle, adds a spark to the film with her portrayal of a strong-willed lawyer who has a complicated history with Marvin.
Eusebio’s direction is commendable for its attempt to balance the action sequences with the romantic subplot. The action scenes are well-choreographed, with standout moments that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The romantic elements feel somewhat underdeveloped, with the chemistry between Marvin and Rose not fully explored.
The supporting cast, including Mustafa Shakir as the poetry-obsessed assassin Raven and Rhys Darby as Marvin’s mentor Cliff, adds to the film’s appeal. However, some characters feel like they were included just to fill out the cast, rather than serving a significant purpose in the story.
One of the film’s strengths is its soundtrack, composed by Dominic Lewis, which complements the action and romance perfectly. The music enhances the emotional beats of the film and adds to the overall atmosphere.
Despite its strengths, “Love Hurts” struggles with pacing issues. Some scenes feel rushed, while others drag on, making the film feel uneven at times. The plot also takes some predictable turns, which can be a bit disappointing for viewers looking for something fresh and unexpected.
“Love Hurts” is an ambitious film that tries to blend action and romance but falls short in fully delivering on both fronts. While it has strong performances and some thrilling action sequences, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a film that has potential but needs a bit more refinement to truly shine.
For fans of Ke Huy Quan and those who enjoy a mix of action and romance, “Love Hurts” might be worth a watch. For those looking for a more polished and cohesive film, it might be best to look elsewhere
Grade: B
Credits:
Directed by
Jonathan Eusebio
Written by
- Matthew Murray
- Josh Stoddard
- Luke Passmore
Produced by
- Kelly McCormick
- David Leitch
- Guy Danella
Starring
- Ke Huy Quan
- Ariana DeBose
- Daniel Wu
- Marshawn Lynch
- Mustafa Shakir
- Lio Tipton
- Rhys Darby
- André Eriksen
- Sean Astin
Cinematography
Bridger Nielson
Edited by
Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir
Music by
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
- February 7, 2025
Running time
83 minutes[1]
Country
United States
Language
English
Budget
$18 million
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