LOVE HURTS is directed by Jonathan Eusebio. The film stars Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, and Sean Astin.
Marvin Gable has had a successful career as a real estate agent, largely due to the guidance of his mentor Cliff. But there was a time when Marvin was an assassin working for his brother in the criminal underworld. When enforcers of his brother and his estranged love interest come back into the picture, Marvin must reluctantly return to his old ways to fend off the foes,
I’m damn glad to see Ke Huy Quan getting a later-in-life career revival. Known as a young boy for his roles in THE GOONIES and INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM, he was thrust back into the spotlight a few years back with his appearance in EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, which one Best Picture at the Oscars.
LOVE HURTS is a film that has some interesting ideas, and it’s appropriate out just in time for Valentine’s Day. Fusing action, comedy, and romance, the movie has a good many interesting ideas and a refreshingly short run time, clocking in at under an hour and a half. Unfortunately, the elements never quite come together, and it’s far too violent to serve as “date night” fare.
Where you can’t argue with this film is Quan’s performance. Eccentric and mundane then thrust back into a life he never thought he’d have to return to, he’s hilarious here. The plot feels like it wouldn’t be out of place in a Jackie Chan film, but Quan makes it his own with his unique personality, and everything he’s suddenly thrust back into. Mr. Quan IS the movie. Even when other aspects fall flat, his performance is the movie’s shining light.
While there are some great action setpieces and some surprisingly good drama and romance alongside the comedy, the biggest problem is that these elements never quite come together. There are way too many subplots and side characters for a movie that only runs about 85 minutes with credits. Characters seem to randomly change allegiance for no reason at all. The movie never feels rushed, but it’s certainly overstuffed. The levels of violence are through the roof, which is at odds with the romantic and comedic elements. Anyone considering taking their partner out for Valentine’s Day to see LOVE HURTS should know that it’s violent. Extremely violent.
Ke Huy Quan’s career revival is well deserved. He gets to showcase all sides of his talents in LOVE HURTS, but other aspects of the film doesn’t fare as well. The action is great, and the laughs and romance aren’t half bad, but the ridiculously high amount of violence and inconsistent narrative keep me from recommending it.
By Taylor T Carlson
Taylor T Carlson Assistant Editor/Senior Staff Writer Taylor T. Carlson was born August 17, 1984, and has called the Vegas Valley home his entire life. A die-hard fan of classic rock and metal music, Taylor has been writing album and concert reviews since he was 16 years old, and continues to do so, having done well over 1,000 reviews. He is also a fan of video gaming and cinema, and has reviewed a number of games and films as well, old and new alike. His thorough and honest (some would say brutally honest) reviewing style has won him the respect of hundreds of music fans and musicians alike, both local and abroad, and the ire of just as many others. Despite being one of the youngest attendees at classic hard rock/metal shows around Vegas, he is also one of the most knowledgeable, having gained the unofficial nickname of “The Eddie Trunk of Las Vegas.” In addition to reviews, Taylor has written and self-published three books on classic hard rock bands, and is a regular participant in rock and roll trivia contests. Taylor also holds a masters degree in special education from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), and has appeared on the hit History Channel television series Pawn Stars. His dream is to be able to one day make a living from writing music books and reviews.