Action-comedy “Love Hurts” released in U.S. cinemas on Feb. 7, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Through a thin plot and occasionally failed humor, Ke Huy Quan’s overwhelming charm and martial prowess give audiences an enjoyable Valentine’s treat. The highlight of the film in both character and action is Quan’s Marvin Gable, a lovable ball of cheer who just so happens to be a deadly assassin.
Quan’s impressive background and skill in martial arts are the center of the film, which has elaborate action pieces that are both bloody and comical. The whole project is reminiscent of classic Hong Kong cinema, reinforced by the involvement of the celebrated Daniel Wu, who plays Gable’s gangster brother Knuckles. Naturally, Quan and Wu did their stunts, which is always a bonus in Western media.
Even if the movie’s writing is disappointing for some, any action lover will walk away satisfied after witnessing the many intricate fight scenes woven into the script. The film’s R rating is a boon, allowing it to get gruesome and graphic as any decent action flick deserves. The intensity of the fight scenes makes for a fun juxtaposition with its otherwise fun and whimsical tone. The great action is due to director, martial artist and stunt performer Jonathan Eusebio, who made his directional debut with Love Hurts. Unfortunately, putting together great action sequences — no small feat — is where his mastery begins and ends.
Ariana DeBose, an Academy Award winner just like Quan, gives a decent but forgettable performance as Gable’s love interest Rose. How much of that is on her and how much is on the script remains unclear, but it leaves Quan doing the heavy lifting throughout. Their chemistry is minimal, despite their efforts, and it almost makes one wish she was not there at all. But then it would not be a Valentine’s Day romance.
The movie leaves audiences wanting more for Quan, whose martial arts expertise deserves a better plot. Desperate to make a movie for a February opening, the filmmakers forgot to string together their ideas to shape “Love Hurts” into a concrete tale. The concept of ‘past-comes-back-to-haunt-killer’ is as unoriginal as the action comedy genre. What is new is Quan as a lead actor, and he is, naturally, the most refreshing part of the movie. He brings too much to the table for it to be missing so many legs.
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