Love Hurts

Frank’s Film Review: Love Hurts
⭐⭐⭐ /5

Love Hurts, directed by Jonathan Eusebio in his impressive debut, is a pulse-pounding action film that throws subtlety out the window and dives straight into the chaos and fun. Written by Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, and Luke Passmore, the movie knows its audience—it’s not about deeply intricate storylines but about delivering high-octane thrills, charismatic characters, and humor that hits its mark.

The story centers on Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), a former hitman trying to leave his dangerous past behind for a quieter life as a real estate agent. But life doesn’t go as planned, and he’s quickly pulled back into a whirlwind of danger, assassins, and secrets when his estranged brother Alvin “Knuckles” (Daniel Wu) comes hunting for him. Alongside his fiery and determined former partner, Rose (Ariana DeBose), Marvin must confront his past in an explosive showdown packed with twists, punches, and flair.

Ke Huy Quan shines brightly in the lead, bringing his action chops and a sharp sense of timing, making his performance relatable and fun. Ariana DeBose injects intensity and heart into the story as Rose, who is as fiercely intelligent as she is fearless. Together, they balance the film’s tension and charisma beautifully. Add to that Lio Tipton’s hilarious depiction of Marvin’s assistant, Ashley, and you’ve got a cast that keeps you entertained.

While the plot takes some windy detours and the ending could leave viewers scratching their heads a little, the film pushes past these minor hiccups with its sheer commitment to fun. The fight choreography and breakneck pacing pull you in. Whether it’s Marvin fighting off quirky assassins or a string of chaotic misunderstandings, the action never lets up, and the humor feels like the cherry on top.

Opening to a solid $5.8 million box office, Love Hurts proves audiences still love a well-rounded, adrenaline-fueled action movie. This isn’t for you if you want a deep and thought-provoking narrative. But this movie hits the mark if you want to kick back, laugh, and lose yourself in a spectacle of fights, flames, and frantic fun. From wildcard characters to gloriously over-the-top sequences, Love Hurts is unapologetically a good time.