Directed by: Jonathan Eusebio
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Written by Nick McCann
57/100
At the 2023 Oscars, everyone was on their feet when Ke Huy Quan got a much-deserved award after a decades-long hiatus from the industry. Coupled with the massive success of “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” everyone was ready to welcome back their favorite gadget-wielding Goonie on their movie screens. Resident action factory 87Eleven is the latest to recruit him, leading the charge with a Valentine’s Day-flavored serving of butt-kicking that’s fluffy like a package of Peeps.
For a film actively wearing the holiday on its sleeve, it certainly has its quirky fun intertwining lovey-dovey vibes with the criminal underworld. As a whole, though, it ends up ringing hollow without much-staying power. All the plot details have plenty of cliches that aren’t horrible or remarkably unique. Clearly, the film is the type to coast by on projecting the fun of it all. But when compared to 87Eleven’s previous “The Fall Guy” and the bevy of other romance-infused action movies, the story doesn’t leave much to linger on after it’s all wrapped up. At best, the tale is concisely told and burns quickly.
What’s surprising is a lack of infectious chemistry. Quan is undeniably putting in the work with natural puppy dog charm and physicality. Ariana Debose is also charming,yet when paired together, they don’t strike me as power couple material you want to see unite after what they’ve been through. Fairly underwhelming with the environment they’re setting up. It’s extra jarring when two side characters in Lio Tipton and Mustafa Shakir have the more endearing pair up. Other characters, in that sense have more stand-out moments. Marshawn Lynch has a pleasant “Pulp Fiction” back and forth with Andre Eriksen, Sean Astin has a warm presence, and Daniel Wu has me buying into the lethality of boba straws.
As usual, 87Eleven provides the goods in modern action, leaning on sequences that are kinetic and easy to follow. It may be starting to become too standard issue at this point, but there is no denying the ever-inventive nature of the fight scenes here. “Love Hurts” wears the Jackie Chan influence proudly, and people are hit with a plethora of everyday items (cookie cutters are inspired). The cinematography is clean, the edits are logical, and the stunts sell hard impact.
“Love Hurts” is as kitschy as you’d expect a Valentine’s Day action movie to be. Extremely lite viewing that can amuse in the time allotted but lacks staying power. Even as something to kick back to and feel good over, the chemistry and storytelling aren’t strong enough to make it rise above the cheese.
“Love Hurts” Trailer
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