About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
No matter how hard you try, you can’t break up with your past. Ke Huy Quan stars as Marvin Gable, a realtor working the Milwaukee suburbs, where ‘For Sale’ signs bloom. Gable receives a crimson envelope from Rose (Ariana DeBose), a former partner-in-crime that he had left for dead. She’s not happy. Now, Marvin is thrust back into the world of ruthless hitmen, filled with double-crosses and open houses turned into deadly war zones. With his brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu), a volatile crime lord, hunting him, Marvin must confront the choices that haunt him and the history he never truly buried.

Jonathan Eusebio’s Love Hurts takes the classic rom-com formula and throws in a healthy dose of action and intrigue, creating a somewhat entertaining, albeit uneven, cinematic experience. Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, taking on his first major leading man role, steps into a more action-oriented part as Marvin Gable, a mild-mannered realtor whose life takes a sudden and violent turn when his past comes back to haunt him.

The film’s premise is undeniably intriguing. A realtor forced to confront his former life as a ruthless hitman? It’s a unique blend of genres that promises both laughs and thrills. And Love Hurts delivers on those promises, to an extent. Ke Huy Quan is surprisingly convincing as he navigates Marvin’s transition from suburban normalcy to a world of deadly assassins and double-crosses. He brings a relatable everyman quality to the role, making Marvin’s predicament both humorous and suspenseful.

Ariana DeBose sizzles as Rose, the femme fatale who throws Marvin’s life into chaos. DeBose exudes charisma and danger, and her scenes with Ke Huy Quan crackle with tension. Daniel Wu also makes a strong impression as Knuckles, Marvin’s volatile brother, adding another layer of complexity to the story.

Where Love Hurts falters is in its execution. While the premise is promising, the plot sometimes feels convoluted and over-the-top. The tonal shifts between rom-com and action thriller can be jarring, and the film occasionally struggles to find the right balance. Some of the action sequences, while competently choreographed, lack the visceral impact they could have had with tighter editing and a more grounded approach.

The film’s humor also suffers from inconsistency. There are some genuinely funny moments, mostly derived from Ke Huy Quan’s comedic timing and the absurdity of certain situations. However, some jokes fall flat, and the attempts at witty banter don’t always land.

Despite its flaws, Love Hurts is still an entertaining watch. The unique premise, strong performances from the lead actors, and occasional moments of brilliance make it worth checking out. However, the uneven plot, tonal inconsistencies, and occasionally underwhelming humor prevent it from being a truly great film.

If you’re looking for a rom-com with a twist or an action thriller with a lighter touch as we approach Valentine’s Day, Love Hurts might be just what you need. Just be prepared for a somewhat bumpy ride along the way. See it only in theaters starting Friday, February 7th.