When the thought of Valentine’s Day occurs, it usually does not involve violence…. or does it? Answering this question a week before the famous lover’s holiday, on February 7, 2025, Universal Pictures presents the 87North Production Action-Comedy flick Love Hurts.
The feature film directorial debut from Jonathan Eusebi (JoJo Eusebio), and starring main antagonists Ke Huy Quan (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 1984, The Goonies 1985) as Marvin Gable and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story 2021, Wish 2023) as Rose Carlisle, Love Hurts tells a tale filled with action-packed fighting and killing, all while love simultaneously emerges out of the crimson wounds.
Much in the style of Jackie Chan or even a bit of John Wick, this new film explores the life of an assassin, although this one they call Marvin Gable, is now a realtor who unfortunately gets punched back into his past dark side.
With family feuds and love spats galore, Love Hurts packs a Valentine-themed Action Adventure where physical pain is downplayed for a comedic effect. Does it all work? That is debatable. Regardless, it does have the charm of a not-so-typical one-note sappy love story. In fact, the story is a very simple concept that has been complemented by some great Tekken-style stunt moves. The acting was well received and motivated the special effects. There are also plenty of hitmen to amuse the audience with their follies.
The color story of the different settings worked to enhance the mood. They also found a way to use whatever was around as a side weapon when their pre-planned device of doom fizzled out. With that said, the film’s overall very campy nature is perhaps the make-it-or-break-it regarding its approval. Additionally, the soundtrack is pretty fun as it features the film’s original music composed by Dominic Lewis (who has worked on everything from 2013’s Free Birds to 2024’s Fall Guy).
As a final reflection of Love Hurts, it held onto a straightforward path by interplaying fight scenes with comedic relief. Unfortunately, there is not much emotional connection between the characters, although the dialog provides an easy escape into a love-driven fantasy land. If open houses and closed fists sound like a party this Valentine’s month, then Love Hurts is just the medicine to cure that lonely heart. That is why Cryptic Rock gives the Action Comedy 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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