‘Love Hurts’ Review: A Violent Twist on Valentine’s Day Cinematic Tradition

‘Love Hurts’ is a violent action film starring Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, turning Valentine’s Day into a bloody spectacle. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, it features Quan as a former hitman reluctantly pulled back into chaos. Although it showcases impressive martial arts, it struggles with chemistry and dialogue, leaving audiences wanting more from its talented leads.

For Valentine’s Day 2025, the film ‘Love Hurts’ flips tradition on its head, delivering a violent action spectacle instead of a sweet romantic comedy. With recent horror films like Sony’s ‘Heart Eyes’ contributing to this bloody theme, ‘Love Hurts’ continues the trend, featuring graphic violence that accompanies the standard romantic expectations of February 14th.

Led by Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, ‘Love Hurts’ stands as a long-shelved script finally making it to the screen. Following cinematic adventures tied to 87North, known for exaggerated, action-packed films, this movie reintroduces Quan in a new light—portraying a former hitman pulled back into a lethal world after receiving a favor request from an old associate.

As Marvin Gable, a real estate agent, he is thrust into chaos when the ominous Raven threatens him. The film, directed by Jonathan Eusebio in his debut, quickly escalates as Marvin navigates a series of action-filled sequences against various adversaries, including his revenge-seeking brother ‘Knuckles’, leading to a reassuringly brisk runtime of just 83 minutes.

Despite the film’s comedic potential, especially in moments involving Marvin’s interruptions during a house showing, the dialogues lack the spark needed to reignite interest. Yet, Quan shines with natural martial arts prowess reminiscent of Jackie Chan, although the chemistry with DeBose falls flat, limiting the film’s emotional depth.

While Eusebio proves his capability through robust fight choreography, the narrative remains underwhelming with dated script elements. Notable performances from the supporting cast, including Sean Astin as a mentor, add some charm but ultimately reinforce how much both leads deserve superior material.

In the end, ‘Love Hurts’ serves as a reminder that leading action stars can spice up traditional themes, yet the execution falls short of leaving a lasting impact. This February, audiences looking for romantic escapism may find more thrills than heartfelt moments in this unique cinematic offering.

In conclusion, ‘Love Hurts’ redefines Valentine entertainment with its blend of action and violence, moving away from the usual romantic narratives. Despite its promising leads in Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, the film suffers from an outdated script and lackluster chemistry. However, the expertly crafted fight sequences by director Jonathan Eusebio highlight the potential that exists when action meets personal stakes, even if the film ultimately disappoints as a romantic experience.

Original Source: deadline.com