It’s that time of the year that flowers dread the most, chocolate companies celebrate, the colour red gets abused, stupid relationship mistakes are made, and thanks to social media, single people get a not-so-subtle reminder about their relationship status.
The gifts during this period are formulaic, it’s the same exact thing every single year. But let's say your significant other loves cinema, action movies specifically. Well, here is something that may look thoughtful if you have no earth-shattering gift for the said significant other.
I went into this movie expecting a fun action-comedy with a dash of romance, and I got exactly that, but with some mixed feelings along the way.
It’s directed by Jonathan Usabio, a stuntman. If you are a cinephile and are aware of the trend of stuntmen becoming directors, then you know exactly what to expect with this film.
Ke Huy Quan, who you might recognize from Everything Everywhere All at Once, plays a realtor who's reluctantly pulled back into a life of crime by his estranged crime lord brother.
Quan's performance is a commendable, his charm and energy are infectious, and he really carries the film through its action-packed moments.
The action sequences are where Love Hurts works. They are intense, well-choreographed, and executed. I found myself on the edge of my seat, impressed by the creativity and framing of the action. Think of any Jackie Chan action movie, the director’s stunt background is very prominent in the film.
However, when it comes to the writing, specifically the romantic subplot, the movie feels unrefined. Ariana DeBose is a talented actress, but the chemistry between her and Quan just doesn't feel well-fleshed out.
Their relationship feels undercooked, and I struggled to invest in their romance. There are a lot of other side characters in the film who do a great job with what they are given. A standout for me is Marshawn Lynch.
The tone of Love Hurts oscillates between serious action and lighthearted comedy, often leaning more towards the latter.
At times, it is too playful, with over-the-top antics and a bit of slapstick humour. While this approach can be entertaining, it sometimes clashes with the film's more serious moments, leading to an uneven experience.
But overall, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and Quan's comedic timing is spot-on. Look, the film doesn't take itself too seriously, and if you know exactly what you are going in for, which in this case is the action and some really good stunts, then you will not be disappointed.
In conclusion
Love Hurts is a fun, action-packed ride with some fantastic set pieces and a charismatic lead performance from Ke Huy Quan.
However, its lack of depth in the romantic subplot and inconsistent tone prevent it from being a truly great film like John Wick.
It's an enjoyable movie for a Valentine's Day evening, especially if you or your significant other love action movies and are looking for a fun experience around the Valentine's period.
