Acclaimed stunt and fight coordinator Jonathan Eusebio, who has worked on action hits such as the "John Wick" franchise, "300," and "Violent Night," makes his directorial debut in the action comedy "Love Hurts" from Universal Pictures. Matthew Murray & Josh Stoddard, and Luke Passmore pen the film's script, which is toplined by Oscar winners Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose.
Quan portrays Marvin Gable, a realtor working in the Milwaukee suburbs, where 'For Sale' signs bloom. However, Gabe has a dark secret that he wants to leave behind. One seemingly normal day, Marvin receives a crimson envelope from Rose (DeBose), a former partner-in-crime whom he had left for dead and who has an axe to grind.
Marvin is unexpectedly reintroduced to a perilous environment characterized by merciless hitmen, betrayals, and chaotic open houses that can swiftly escalate into violent confrontations. The presence of his estranged brother further complicates his situation; the volatile crime lord Knuckles, portrayed by Daniel Wu, commands a formidable gang and actively seeks to capture Marvin. As the situation's urgency escalates, Marvin is compelled to confront the decisions that have haunted him and fully reconcile with a past he has yet to address.
After winning an Oscar, I was curious about Ke Huy Quan's first lead role, especially with his rising popularity. "Love Hurts" turned out to be the perfect project for him. Quan showcases his everyman charm and enjoys the role. Whether engaging in a fight scene, trying to sell a house, or interacting with co-workers, he embodies the kind of character that Jackie Chan would have played in the late nineties or early 2000s. One of the most enjoyable aspects of his character's journey is that he doesn't rely on plot armor; he takes hits just as much as he delivers them.
The supporting cast also has fun with action tropes. Ariana DeBose is more than a damsel in distress, while Marshawn Lynch and Mustafa Shakir have scene-stealing moments as hitmen. Furthermore, it's always good to see Cam Gigandet and Daniel Wu in a genre picture.
Kudos to the director for keeping the runtime short, as a film like this could easily overstay its welcome. Additionally, some cheesy dialogue moments may earn a grimace from some moviegoers. However, the action sequences, particularly in the third act, had me rooting for our lead.
Every so often, a film requires you to shut off your brain, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the ride. "Love Hurts" is one such movie.
Final Grade: B
"Love Hurts" opens in theaters today.
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