Love Hurts, the latest action-comedy, has certainly made waves as it combines light-heartedness with the gruesome intensity of violent action. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, known for his work as a stunt coordinator on multiple high-profile action films, the movie stars Academy Award winners Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, yet struggles to find its footing within the violent comedy genre.
The film follows Marvin Gable (played by Quan), once a hitman but now happily settled as a real estate agent. Life takes an unexpected twist when his former partner, Rose Carlisle (DeBose), resurfaces, pulling him back to his tumultuous past. The chaos escalates as Marvin’s notorious brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu) seeks revenge, setting off a string of bloody confrontations fueled by comedic intentions.
Running for only 83 minutes, it attempts to pack humor and action tightly together. Despite this, the film feels anything but brief. The reviews are rife with criticism, noting the excessive violence without the offsetting charm of genuine humor. The Hollywood Reporter remarked on the film's gruesome antics, highlighting moments like when "one man has a metal straw go through his eyeball,” showcasing Eusebio’s knack for choreography but failing to generate laughter.
One pivotal aspect of 'Love Hurts' is its violent aesthetics. The film employs outlandish weaponry—from boba straws to cookie cutters—during its elaborate fight sequences. Quan, known for his agility, shines during these scrappy confrontations, yet one can’t help but feel the film loses its comedic rhythm amid the blood-splattered chaos. Reviewers frequently point out the disconnect between the tone intended by the director and the visuals presented on screen.
Even with two Oscar winners at the helm, the chemistry between Quan and DeBose seems flat. Critics like those from The Guardian express disappointment, stating, "The film doesn’t attempt to fit these two halves of his personality together."
This echoing idea resonates with many who felt the romantic subplot lacked depth and credibility. Their love story quietly flickering throughout lacks the spark needed to lift up this violent action comedy.
“Love Hurts” attempts to weave various subplots around the theme of love—particularly concerning Valentine’s Day—but misses the mark, diverting attention away from character development. DeBose's character, Rose, barely scratches the surface, characterized only as the femme fatale. Critics noticed this superficiality, implying it felt contrived rather than organic.
Interestingly enough, behind the scenes, both Quan and DeBose embraced the challenges of action stunts. DeBose recounted sustaining injuries every day, mentioning jokingly her admiration for actors like Charlize Theron and how it drove her to take risks on set. “That’s what it takes to make these,” Quan reassured DeBose when she expressed concern over her injuries—an indication of the physical demands placed on the cast.
Despite the physical spectacle, reviews continued to reflect on the script’s weaknesses. Critics from The AV Club and The Los Angeles Times highlighted how the plot meandered, becoming convoluted and missing punchlines during supposedly humorous exchanges.
Structured rather chaotically, 'Love Hurts' fails to deliver on its promise of combining fun with action, leaving audiences bewildered and craving substance. It doesn't capitalize on the potential of its stars; instead, it lays bare the issues born from haphazard writing and character framing.
Whether 'Love Hurts' lands as just another forgettable film, or proves to hint at potential within Quan and DeBose’s future endeavors remains to be seen. For now, it’s clear—while the film sets out to charm, it veers closer to the absurd rather than comedic brilliance.