Ke Huy Quan, fresh off his triumphant, Oscar-winning return to the screen in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” steps into his first major leading action role in “Love Hurts.” This action-comedy, directed by stunt coordinator Jonathan Eusebio, attempts to blend high-octane fights with a quirky romantic premise. While the film has its share of narrative stumbles and tonal imbalances, Quan’s undeniable charisma and impressive physical prowess elevate it into an enjoyably campy, if imperfect, cinematic experience.
The plot centers on Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), a seemingly mild-mannered and relentlessly positive real estate agent in Wisconsin. His idyllic life, however, is shattered when his past as a deadly hitman comes knocking. Specifically, a crimson envelope arrives from Rose (Ariana DeBose), a former partner-in-crime he believed he had left for dead. Her reappearance, coupled with the sudden emergence of various eccentric assassins, pulls Marvin back into the dangerous underworld he desperately tried to escape. His crime-lord brother, Knuckles (Daniel Wu), also complicates matters, forcing Marvin to confront not only his violent history but also his lingering feelings for Rose.
One of the film’s most significant strengths lies in its action sequences. Produced by 87North, the team behind hits like “Nobody” and “Bullet Train,” “Love Hurts” delivers well-choreographed fights and impressive stunts. Quan, who showcased his martial arts skills in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” gets ample opportunity to shine here, transitioning seamlessly from affable realtor to formidable combatant. Reviewers frequently highlight his “charm and skill” in these sequences, noting a blend of slick choreography with a slightly goofy, almost “Kick-Ass”-like imperfection that adds to the film’s unique flavor. The creative use of everyday objects as weapons – from cookie cutters to boba straws – adds a fun, distinctive touch to the violence.
However, the film’s narrative and comedic elements receive more mixed reactions. The story is often criticized for being cliché, simplistic, and lacking depth. At a lean 83 minutes, “Love Hurts” feels rushed in its pacing, with some subplots feeling underdeveloped or abruptly cut. The humor, while aiming for over-the-top absurdity, sometimes falls flat for reviewers who found it unfunny or forced.
The romantic subplot between Marvin and Rose, despite being central to the film’s title, is a point of contention. Many critics found the chemistry between Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose unconvincing, with some noting a significant age difference that detracts from the believability of their connection. Interestingly, a secondary, more offbeat romance between Marvin’s assistant Ashley (Lio Tipton) and a poetic assassin named The Raven (Mustafa Shakir) often resonated more with audiences, leaning into the film’s inherent silliness with greater success.
Despite these flaws, Ke Huy Quan’s performance is consistently lauded. He brings an earnest sincerity and lovable quality to Marvin Gable, making him a character audiences can genuinely root for. His ability to convey both Marvin’s mild-mannered present and his dangerous past is a testament to his acting prowess. The film also features a delightful mini-“Goonies” reunion with Sean Astin as Marvin’s boss, a small but welcome nod for fans.
“Love Hurts” is not a groundbreaking action film, nor is it a deeply profound romantic comedy. It’s a brisk, often chaotic, and undeniably campy ride that serves primarily as a vehicle for Ke Huy Quan to further cement his status as a leading man in the action genre. For those seeking a straightforward, action-packed flick with a dose of absurdity and a charismatic lead, “Love Hurts” offers a fun, albeit flawed, escape. It’s a testament to Quan’s star power that he can make even a messy script an enjoyable watch.
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