Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose in Love Hurts: A lackluster performance in a clumsily comedic action film
Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose team up in "Love Hurts," a film that falls short of expectations. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, known for the "John Wick" franchise, the movie fails to deliver on its promise of combining humor and excitement with non-action stars taking on a beat-’em-up style.
Quan and DeBose, both Oscar winners, play unlikely badasses in the film. Quan’s character, Marvin, has left his past as a professional killer behind to work in real estate. Despite his peaceful life, Marvin is drawn back into the world of violence when he is attacked by a fellow assassin, Raven, played by Mustafa Shakir.
As the plot unfolds, Marvin finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue involving his criminal kingpin brother, Knuckles, played by Daniel Wu, and his former lawyer, Rose, portrayed by DeBose. The story takes a twist as Marvin’s loyalty and love for Rose are put to the test in a high-stakes showdown.
With Marshawn Lynch joining the cast as hitman King and André Eriksen as Otis, the film attempts to inject humor and action into the mix. However, the characters fall flat, lacking depth and originality.
Despite its short runtime of 83 minutes, "Love Hurts" rushes through its plot, leaving little room for character development or emotional depth. The action sequences, choreographed by Quan himself, are well-executed but lack impact due to the predictable nature of the story.
DeBose’s portrayal of Rose also misses the mark, with her character reduced to clichéd one-liners and surface-level emotions. The film struggles to find its footing, relying on tired tropes and uninspired dialogue to drive the narrative.
In the end, "Love Hurts" falls short of its potential, delivering a lackluster blend of action and comedy that fails to leave a lasting impression. Despite the talented cast and fast-paced action sequences, the film lacks the heart and depth needed to make it truly memorable.