User reviews

Ever since Ke Huy Quan won the Academy Award, cementing his acting career comeback, I've been in full support of whatever he does. The new action romantic comedy LOVE HURTS is seriously testing that support. Marvin (Ke Huy Quan) is one of the best realtors in town. When his dark and violent past comes back and threatens the new life he's built, he's forced to face it head on. There is so much that doesn't work in this movie. First, the story sucks. Marvin thought that having his face plastered around town was a good way of laying low after betraying his crime boss boba- drinking brother Alvin "Knuckles" (Daniel Wu). Marvin's betrayal consisted of saving the life of his love interest Rose (Ariana DeBose), who comes back into his life like a wrecking ball because "Hiding ain't living". I have never seen two characters in a romance have less chemistry. I always try and use my big words, but not here: He feels like a "simp" and she feels like an a**hole who uses him like a tool. The side characters were a little more interesting and fun, which isn't a good sign. Quan reunites with his GOONIES co-star Sean Astin, who actually has a good scene. Drew Scott (from the Property Brothers) has a funny scene, as does football player Marshawn Lynch. The antagonist has zero character development, which should've been easy to add in, since he's Marvin's estranged brother. The action scenes were not bad, but it felt like they were playing it safe. Even though the movie is 83 minutes long, it still feels too long. LOVE HURTS is a Valentine's Day movie with commitment issues with half-baked subplots and a cookie-cutter ending. Just watch the trailer, that's basically the movie.

Love Hurts is a straightforward action film with a touch of drama, but make no mistake-this is a "one-man army" kind of movie. It's the type of film that thrives on plot armor, where the protagonist is outnumbered but somehow manages to take down everyone in his path. Is it better than John Wick? Definitely not. Is it better than Nobody? Not really. But does it beat some of Jason Statham's more forgettable action flicks? Surprisingly, yes.

The story itself is simple, almost too simple. At 83 minutes (credits included), it knows when to wrap things up without overstaying its welcome. But even with its short runtime, the pacing feels uneven. There's an unbalanced mix of action and drama, with the middle part of the film filled with repetitive dialogues that stretch out the story instead of adding depth. The film had the opportunity to introduce more compelling subplots but chose not to, leaving certain moments feeling dragged out rather than dynamic.

One of the biggest frustrations is how the film teases a truly interesting character, only to cut away just when things get exciting. There's a moment where you expect an intense, game-changing sequence, but instead, it's skipped entirely. It becomes a classic case of "tell, don't show," which feels like a missed opportunity.

That being said, Ke Huy Quan brings something fresh to the action genre. He's not your typical tall, muscular action star, but he nails his role in a way that feels both cheeky and authentic. He's quick, agile, and entertaining to watch. And while the plot armor is undeniably strong, at least the film acknowledges that his character, Marvin Gable, is human-he takes hits, gets knocked down, and even bleeds. This adds some believability to his fights, making them more engaging.

However, Marvin Gable as a character feels a bit two-dimensional. We get glimpses of his past, but not enough to truly understand who he is or why he's being hunted. There's potential for a deeper backstory, but instead of expanding on it, the film keeps circling around the same few details. It feels like it's dragging itself down with repetition rather than moving forward with meaningful character development.

Ariana DeBose, on the other hand, brings plenty of energy as his partner-in-crime. She's witty, charming, and completely self-serving in the most entertaining way possible. She's chaotic, but not quite Harley Quinn levels of crazy-more like a playful, opportunistic wildcard. She adds a layer of fun to the film, making her scenes a highlight.

As for the action, it's not as gory as John Wick or Nobody, but it's still brutal enough to satisfy action fans. The choreography is slick, yet somewhat goofy-kind of like Kick-Ass, where the fights blend both realism and over-the-top action. Not every hit lands perfectly, not every move is executed flawlessly, and that imperfection actually adds to the charm.

The film also tries to introduce a unique element with "love letters" as a recurring theme, tying it to a Valentine's vibe. But while the idea is interesting, the execution feels underwhelming. The letters don't add much emotional weight, and instead of feeling special, they come across as just another detail in the film.

Verdict: Love Hurts is a quite fun but flawed action film. The performances, especially from Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, bring life to the story, and the fight sequences are enjoyable in a raw, slightly clumsy way. But the uneven pacing, lack of depth in the protagonist's backstory, and missed opportunities hold it back from being truly great. It's entertaining for what it is, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.

They are certain things that work for em in the beginning of this movie- Marvin is likable, and the world feels bright and fun and poppy. The fight scenes are dynamic if not a bit ridiculous. But Deboise's Rose is, to me, the absolute failing lynchpin of an already fairly uncreative plot. She really feels like she's acting at every point. Her line delivery is unconvincing and hollow. Her character has nooo chemistry with Marvin and is also low on the general likeability scale, making the viewer wonder "what is it about this woman that Marvin is attracted to? Why is he willing to do so much to save her?" Most annoyingly, she doesn't seem to support or accept the attempts at positive change Marvin has made in his life. She uses him to achieve her revenge. It's a very strange relationship that feels nothing like a romance. Perhaps it was just miscasting, but Deboise has yet to impress me in any role.

Ah, Valentine's Day. Love is in the air, chocolate is everywhere, and fights ensue every five minutes. Great holiday.

The biggest draw to this movie is likely going to be Ke Huy Quan, beloved 80's kid star and recent Oscar winner. He is clearly giving it his all, both acting- and action-wise, with a performance I can best describe as friendly, making Marvin Gable someone you'd root for no matter what. Everyone else in the movie does well as well, with the other notable standout being Ariana DeBose as Rose. Other than a few lines that feel a bit over-the-top, she brings a fun presence to the movie.

The other big sell, the action, is another reason that's worth the price of admission. Director Jonathan Eusebio, known for stunt coordination on several other projects including John Wick, manages to make the fights a joy in every situation. The camera isn't steady all of the time, but unlike most shaky cam, it works in a way to make the fights feel chaotic while still maintaining a clear sense of what is going on. It also helps that there are several unique setpieces to the fights, including the weaponry of choice by Mustafa Shakir's character The Raven.

Besides the leads and the action, the story is admittedly very light. While the trailer's hook is interesting, there isn't much going on in the plot save for one minor subplot that isn't expounded upon, but I thought had a neat little payoff for all the little details throughout. It does work to the movie's favor as a quick 80-minute action flick, but those hoping for more substance will undoubtedly be disappointed. The other criticism I have is that there are several moments of handholding throughout. There will be a focus on an object or setpiece, then a character will say something to the effect of "I can use this" or "Ah, I recognize this" rather than letting the visual cues clue the audience in.

If you can look past the empty-calorie story, I recommend this, especially if you're looking for a Valentine's Day date at the movies. It's an easy watch that pairs well with a dinner afterward. Not much else Valentines-themed this month anyway. Unless you like slashers, in which case Heart Eyes may be more up your alley.

"Love Hurts" had promise. At least, the trailer made it seem so. Advertised as a sort of martial arts action/comedy/romance hybrid - starring everyone's favorite Ke Huy Quan (and not to mention the lovely Ariana DeBose), the film looked to be, at the least, a fun little Valentine's Day adventure with some competent, violent fighting. And with its 83 minute runtime? Gosh, "Love Hurts" has to be nothing but a lean, fast-paced action extravaganza... right? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is: No. "Love Hurts" is a poor film, and it pains me to say that, as I was genuinely looking forward to this. However, within minutes of the movie beginning, I realized that the optimal viewing experience would've been at home rather than on the silver screen.

I don't want to waste time talking about the plot (it's practically non-existent) or the acting (everyone does an okay job with the material they have, but virtually all are hamming it up to an absurd degree); instead, I want to jump right into why you're going to see this movie - the action. Is the action in "Love Hurts" good? On a technical level, yes. The action itself is filmed well, and you can tell that some real care was put into the choreography. Additionally the camera work is quite good, almost never shaky, and likes to follow the action around in smooth takes and wide angles. The martial arts spectacle at play here can be satisfying if you're into that sort of thing, and there's a third-act fight inside of a home that is genuinely exciting.

My issues with the action, however, are twofold. For one, the film just doesn't have enough action in it. For a movie that's only 83 minutes long, there is barely any action at all; you get a little bit in the very beginning of the movie, and then nothing until the final 15 or 20 minutes or so - this was shocking to me, and turned the film into a boring slog where I was sitting there waiting for something - anything - to happen. Secondly, because of the goofy, almost parody-esque tone of the film, the action lacks impact and feels ridiculous. I understand that "Love Hurts" wanted to be a fun, breezy date night kind of movie, but the tone was so light and so silly that the action and the violence felt neutered, even with its at times copious amounts of bloodshed. And so, while I could admire the action from a filmmaking perspective, it never really left any impression on me because the over the top tone of the film kept me from getting invested in the violence.

The best way I can describe how it felt like to watch "Love Hurts" is to say that it's like watching a live-action cartoon. And for some people, that might sound awesome! For me, I would've preferred a bit more of a grounded take that allowed some semblance of seriousness instead of the ridiculous final product. Will you like this? You might find the action enjoyable, but I can't imagine that you'll enjoy how little action there truly is - and how long you have to wait to finally see some.

Jonathan Eusebio's Love Hurts is the kind of action-comedy that Hollywood needs more of-smart, stylish, and overflowing with charm. Blending breakneck fight sequences with razor-sharp wit, this film delivers a delightful mix of heart-pounding action and laugh-out-loud moments, anchored by a stellar ensemble cast.

At the center of the mayhem is Ke Huy Quan, who shines as Marvin Gable, a reformed assassin turned real estate agent whose past literally comes knocking at his door. Quan brings an effortless blend of charm, physicality, and comedic timing to the role, making Marvin an instantly likable protagonist. Ariana DeBose is equally captivating as Rose, Marvin's former target-turned-long-lost love, injecting the film with an irresistible blend of danger and allure.

The supporting cast elevates the film even further. Daniel Wu's ruthless yet magnetic portrayal of Alvin "Knuckles" Gable makes for a formidable antagonist, while Mustafa Shakir's smooth but untrustworthy Renny Merlow adds layers of intrigue. However, one of the biggest scene-stealers is Marshawn Lynch, who, as the knife-wielding, poetry-loving Raven, delivers an unexpected comedic performance that lands every time. His dynamic with Kausar Mohammed's hilariously disillusioned assistant Ashley brings a fresh and quirky romance into the mix.

Eusebio, best known for his stunt choreography in John Wick and Birds of Prey, makes his directorial debut with a film that showcases his mastery of action. The fight sequences are kinetic and creative, blending gun-fu, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and even a real estate closing that turns into an all-out brawl. The choreography is crisp, inventive, and never overstays its welcome, keeping the film's energy consistently high.

Beyond the action, Love Hurts boasts a script filled with sharp dialogue and genuine laughs. The film balances its over-the-top violence with heartfelt moments, never losing sight of its central theme: embracing both the past and the future. The Valentine's Day backdrop adds an ironic touch of romance, with love-whether rekindled, newfound, or hilariously misguided-woven into every plot thread.

By the time the final showdown unfolds, Love Hurts has delivered a rollercoaster of adrenaline, humor, and heart. With its pitch-perfect cast, breathtaking action, and unexpectedly sweet moments, this film cements itself as a must-watch for fans of Mr. & Mrs. Smith and The Nice Guys.

Set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) is seemingly a successful realtor who will help you find your dream home. However, following an encounter with an assassin known as the Raven (Mustafa Shakir), Marvin finds his new life under threat from his old one as the re-emergence of his last kill, Rose (Ariana DeBose), whom he didn't actually kill puts him on a collision course with his estranged gangster brother Alvin "Knuckles" Gable (Daniel Wu).

Love Hurts is the latest genre film from 87North Productions, better known for their production of the John Wick series of films that helped redefine modern action cinema. The film marks Ke Huy Quan's first lead role following his Oscar winning comeback in Everything Everywhere All at Once and while I think Quan is perfectly capable of headlining a film like this, I just wish it were a more interesting one.

While Quan doesn't have the richest role as Marvin, I will say that there is sort of a meek charm at watching this small unassuming realtor unleash martial arts fury upon hoards of would be assassins. If Jackie Chan (at his peak anyway) could be described as Buster Keaton with martial arts, Quan's style is more akin to Harold Lloyd where there's a bit more of an edge to the disaster prone hi-jinks. Honestly during the opening 20 minutes I didn't really understand why the movie had been so panned by critics as some of the physical comedy seemed on point and the fight scenes had the typical 87North quality....but then the movie started to lose me. Running at only 87 minutes long the movie isn't unaware of what it is and gets right to the point, but that's kind of part of the problem as there isn't a lot of time spent developing character or setting up the circumstances.

When you compare Love Hurts to 87North's other comedic action film Nobody which had a solid and efficient first act establishing the mid-life stagnation of Bob Odenkirk's character that set up effective contrast to the more outlandish elements later on, Love Hurts dives in way too fast and we don't really get a chance to know the characters beyond the surface level. The movie encounters further issues with Ariana DeBose' Rose and the actions taken by her character which the movie tries to frame as being for Marvin's benefit but because we never took time to establish Marvin's life we don't know that and it seems like she's nuking his new life because "why not?". The movie per its title also tries to paint itself as a romantic unconventional Valentine's Day film clunkily establishing a romance between Marvin and Rose along with Marshawn Lynch's King and Andre Erisken's Otis discussing marital problems or Marvin secretary Ashley played by Lio Tipton falling for poetic assassin Raven played by Mustafa Shakir and while occasionally there's a sequence that works, most of it just feels limp especially in comparison to 87North's The Fall Guy which mixed action and romantic comedy much more effectively. Even the usually reliable fight work loses integrity in the final act as there's a disappointing number of cuts and close-up shots that make the final fight so underwhelming.

Love Hurts isn't without some charms (most of them courtesy of Quan), but the film never fully comes together in alive in a way the marketing promises and it feels like a half-hearted remix of prior 87North productions that did similar things much more successfully. Quan's more than capable of headlining a film like this, I just wish the film itself were better.

Was hoping for a Kill Bill but with humor type of movie. Not enough of both. Still a good popcorn movie. I'm a HUGE fan of both Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, so I wanted to see this preview night. The two of them did not disappoint! The fight scenes were great, but there could have been a few more. There were some funny bits, but there were other moments that were meant to be funny, but instead we're a bit cringe. Did not know Sean Astin had a role in this, so we got a nice mini Goonies reunion, which was great. There's even a bit role from one of the Property Brothers. The beginning of the movie and the third act were great, but the middle of the movie was too stilted, with forced exposition. We even heard the thoughts of the characters - with exposition in those thoughts. A lot of those "thought" lines were not really even needed. Would have conveyed more with just the actors' facial expressions. This is a a decent, matinee price mindless movie with some excellent fight scenes, if you want a fun 90-minute distraction.

My wife and I absolutely love this movie. We genuinely are confused as to the bad reviews and think it all has to do with people having different expectations. I think many people were expecting another everything everywhere all at once or at least some type of A24 film, but this is just a light-hearted action comedy and at that it is fantastic! Sure there are some rough edges but they're the standard rough edges that come with a small budget small studio film that make it endearing and warm, not bad. It's just simply not polished to hell and back, which personally for me made it a more fun watch.

I highly recommend watching this in theater if you don't have an amazing home theater set up as the extra audio boost really put the fight scenes over the top.

I guarantee this will be a cult classic yearly watch for many.

LIKES: Fun Funny Some Good Fights The Acting Is Involved Some Deeper Meanings Fun Subplots Summary: The synopsis I gave will hopefully set the tone that this movie is not a serious entry into the movie collection by any means. It's goofy, and that goofiness is fun to watch and get lost in for a short amount of time to just give your mind a break. Love Hurts is a comedy before anything else, as it combines a lot of elements that are hilarious to enjoy. Pokes at Martial Arts movies, more jabs at the Valentine empire, and the folly of modern loves. I enjoyed the overdramatic delivery of one character, making every piece of advice comical, while another's somber and poetic tones are strange and time perfectly to be funny rather than disturbing. There are plenty of insults, slapstick humor, and environmental mishaps that feel like a silly version of John Wick, and it worked well on many parts for me in that pure spectacle Eusebio directed it toward achieving. Speaking of fights, the action scenes sometimes nail the choreography to be exciting, impressive, and unique with the kung fu of Bruce Lee meeting the humor of Jackie Chan. Love Hurts made me... well... hurt when you see some of the blows that Quan throws in this movie at the extras. It's violent, it's fast(ish), and feels a bit like a video game with the props and planning that this movie adopted. It leads to a fast and fun pace that keeps your brain numb, and a movie like this is enjoyable when you go in with such a mindset.

There are a few deeper elements to the film, the main plot of Marvin's tale holding elements much more in tune with character growth and reflections on life. It's spiritual and almost meditative, a relevant character who is looking for happiness and finding it means that many characters don't quite match up with in other films. Other characters surprisingly have a bit more bite to them as well, not just secondary characters, but tertiary ones whose subplots are cute, entertaining, and offer a little anchor away from the violence that is the main plot. The little dance they do is all in line with the spirit of fun, and the actors all manage to be very fun and immersed in the movie, though a few seem less committed to the characters and don't bring their A-game as they do in other works. Still, Love Hurts surprised me with the expansion into other tributaries to help provide some balance.

DISLIKES Too Violent/Aggressive Withy Language Plot is Cliché/Predictable Subplots are underdeveloped/rushed Fighting comes off stiff at times The Acting Is Inconsistent Too Stupid At Times Too Little Time To Juggle Everything Summary: The movie is extreme in a lot of ways, though, and the result is a movie being chopped up and a little lacking in many elements to make some of the points fall for me. The acting is, for the most part, appropriate, most of the cast having fun with their parts and just letting their dramatic personalities unfold in manners very appropriate for the film. It's just not consistent, and some of the actors feel a tad dry and uncommitted to the role, only managing to give me convincing performances in the film. The plot is cliché and predictable, any attempts at twists washed away by the excessive comedy sweeping away the serious plot twists and character developments. The subplots suffer in their length and feel lacking or hastily tied up with a single-shot montage that feels shallow and kind of benign. As for the dialog, well, the movie gets aggressive with the foul language, losing the spice factor for that "realistic" angle that so many people seem okay to have. As. If this weren't enough, the movie also starts to run into problems with the action elements for a viewer like me. The film pays homage to the great fights well, but many times, it feels stiff, uncoordinated, and repetitive in the embellishments they took with this film. I don't know how legit the fights are, but Love Hurts seems a bit blocky and forced battles (like the Acolyte) and gets paired with John Wick damage syndrome that loses an edge when you see how much punishment our "hero" can take. All of this comes out very stupid and silly at times, leaving me bored and wishing to steer away from the comedy elements to meet closer to the middle or add some more unique and coordinated elements to make up for the cliché. All-in-all, most of these things could have been improved secondary to having more time, the eighty-two minute run time not giving much wiggle room to keep all these tales and characters in an appropriate balance, in my opinion. About twenty more minutes could have done wonders for this film, or perhaps cleaned up the cast a tad more to not cram so many thin strings into this complex web.

The VERDICT Love Hurts is another fine edition of the Valentine film parody that is very entertaining to watch. It's simply kung fu in an odd love story, and that ridiculous summary extends into the film's comedic focus with action elements to support the fast-paced film. You'll find plenty of styles to laugh at, alongside some awesome fights that feel closer to real-life anime than the actual real-life anime films we have. The pace is just purely fun, but other plots might stoke the fires of hope and well-being if you pay attention to them. However, this odd combination is not going to win much in the general audience, depending on your tolerance for violence, excessive language, and the amount of stupid humor and aggressive comedy you'll get in the short run time. Love Hurts has a lot of potential, but it's squandered by how short the film is and how many characters/sub-plots they tried to weave together in that time frame. Is it the worst thing to hit theaters? No, but the movie still needs a little more polish, planning, and precision to be worth the full recommendation to see in the theater. It's definitely going to be action lovers and comedy junkies who can't get enough as the niche audience, while the majority will probably get the most at watching at home. My scores for Love Hurts are: Action/Comedy: 6.5-7.0 Movie Overall: 6.0-6.5.

Love KHQ A great actor, Goonies, Indiana, Everything Everywhere All at Once, etc. This film fails to show off his true acting ability. This film holds charm with campiness and takes it far down that trail. It knows that it's not good and leans in to it. But with that it's still too much. Too much to have a form of believable-ness. I hate it. This being on KHQ comeback journey. First Everything Everywhere all At Once? Too this??? If you go to see this film leave your brain, at home, expect to laugh even i the scene is not funny. That is the type of film this is. Go for the charm as there isn't any real story. The film barley crosses the 80 minute mark and it still feels too long.

This was BAD, you guys. BAD!!! Saw it this morning, and I seriously entertained the idea of just leaving the theater early. But it's a pretty short film and there was only about 20 minutes left so I stuck around; however, it didn't change my feeling about this godawful movie. The trailer is the best thing about it. Watch that, and you've got pretty much the best (and most comedic) parts of the story. This had the dumbest, most cringe execution of a story I've seen in a while. It tried to be an action comedy, but the comedy didn't work so well most of the time, and the tone between the two was all mismatched with plotlines that were nonsensical and a waste of time in addition to horrific killings that just didn't mix effectively with the rest of the story. Some black comedies work very well - Companion is a perfect example. This wasn't really a black comedy though, and the moments that it tried to be serious in other situations - love between the characters - felt so lame and cringe I was rolling my eyes too many times to count. It's disappointing to have that experience, since Love Hurts had ended up on my list of most anticipated for 2025. So far, this year had been a pleasant start to my big-screen visits (since I hadn't yet gotten pissed or hugely disappointed by any film I've seen at theaters since January 1), but that streak ended with Love Hurts. This will definitely be getting a spot on my list of worsts for the year. Video review to come shortly.

This film doesn't take itself too seriously, and nor should you. I was looking forward to seeing Ke Huy Quan in his own action film (gotta support a Goonie!) and this film def delivered on creatively choreographed action sequences. The lighting and framing throughout gave the film a bit of a comic book feel. The plot was simple but the writing was a let down. The main antagonist's story wasn't very clear and it relies on a lot of inner monologues to explain what's going on, which was distracting. It hopped around quite a bit and wasn't very cohesive. It felt like lazy writing just to get a Valentine's film out. This film is entirely supported by several key cast members (two of which have Oscar's). But if you go in expecting 1.5 hrs of a camp romp punctuated by impressively choreographed fight scenes, with a couple notable cameos, I think you'll still have fun with this silly, fun movie. I hope KHQ gets more action films as a main character because he's brilliant when he's allowed to shine.

Love Hurts is one of the most boring movies I have ever seen.

The story is not intriguing at all. It's also extremely predictable. There is only one scene, which took an unexpected turn, but the whole movie, including this scene, is emktionally empty. It was also supposed to make me laugh, which happened only once. The characters are simple and flat. The dialogues are nothing special either.

The camera work during the action sequences is good. Other than that, the cinematography is lame. I didn't even like the framing sometimes. The last action set piece has great lighting though. The stunt work is obviously awesome. The effects look great. The editing is okay, the pacing isn't the reason why this movie is boring. The cast is weird. I love Ke Huy Quan and I do think he is capapble of being a leading man, but the story neads to be great.

Love Hurts is just an incredibly bad movie.

A one-of-a-kind movie that has some charm but may not be for everyone. This movie is for you if (a) you a fan of Ke Huy Quan, one of more interesting and sympatico character actors in the biz. According to the press kit, he put a lot of prep time into building himself up for this very physical role; or (b) you are curious when a first time director known for mainly stunt work decides to tackle a feature which, coincidentally, contains mainly stunt work; or (c) you are completely OK with a studio releasing a "Valentines" movie which, in any other parallel universe, would have been labelled as a "Kung Fu comedy." Which in fact it is. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Ignore all of the low ratings and reviews clearly missing the point.

If you're looking for a film to lose yourself in, look no further. This is it. And then some. Its perfectly paced always keeping the viewer in engaged and at the edge of your seat while white knuckle-ing.

This actor studied and emulated a squirrels movements to earn him an Oscar for 'Everywhere all at once'. Here, the fights scenes are filmed and choreographed flawlessly, creating the most dazzling fight sequences. The soundtrack is also superb and enriches the film especially at the perfect moments.

The voice narratives also give it a unique feature providing context and enriching the storyline. If you're looking for an arthouse A24 film, this is not for you, as it seems the case in most of the reviews. Honestly I feel sad that they missed the point and the point is very simplistic: it's a action/rom-com. Nothing more nothing less. Most of the love story is portrayed in fight exchanges but it only adds a refreshing new layer. What's even more impressive is that this is a directorial debut and you would never know it.

The premise isn't original but it's captured and told in an original way. The whole cast only adds to the immersion.

'Knuckles' delivers a charismatic menacing balancing act that delivers with ultimate satisfaction, ultimately.

Ravens character was just phenomenal! The two star crossed lovers chemistry literally bleeds on screen. Its not a 10 but a score of 5.4 is vastly criminal. Its a true solid 9. I have no doubt this will lead to a highly anticipated sequel. Just take it for what it's meant to be: a high octane action movie with romance sprinkled on top meant to deliver spectacular fun. Which it more than succeeds. Don't take it serious or be swayed by the negative reviews. If you focus on all the positive reviews, you'll notice they all share this general consensus. Its very gory and violent. As I mentioned earlier, this Oscar winner mimicked a squirrel. Imagine what he does emulating a hit man assassin trying his best to keep his inner monster at bay until Rose comes back unleashing it.

Your welcome!

Marvin Gable is a kind, soft-spoken realtor who is focused and loves his job. What was supposed to be a simple Valentine's Day turns into a fight for survival when he receives a Valentine's from a woman from his past. Now, Marvin must confront the version of himself he left behind and help the woman he loves.

This movie is more action than it is a romantic comedy. The story is straightforward and quickly reaches the point within the one- and twenty-three-minute runtime. The action is well-choreographed and consistent throughout the entire movie. Some comedy is delivered by the supporting cast, which gives some variety. This is an entertaining watch worthy of a stream when available.

Love Hurts: A Noir film which is very much a black comedy. Actually it's so violent that only the comedic elements make the blood, gore and killings tolerable. Set around Valentine;s Day it's also a RomCom of sorts as several killers find love in surprising ways. The rather complicated plot involves a woman, Rose (Ariana DeBose ) seemingly returning from the dead and gaslighting various people. This causes particular problems for Marvin (Ke Huy Quan), now a realtor , he used to be a hitman for his gangster brother Knuckles (Daniel Wu) and was supposed to have killed Rose. Rose apparently stole money but it turns out to be more complicated than that. There are quite a few plot twists in this caper. We also get Raven (Mustafa Shakir) a poet/hitman to add to the laughs. But some of those chuckles may die in your throat as you swallow some of the blood spattering about. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, written by Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, and Luke Passmore. 7/10.

I guess this one isn't entirely on her. But this is the fourth movie I've seen her in. And in every one she sticks out like a sore thumb. She does not belong. Her line delivery and facial expressions make me cringe. She never feels natural, always looking like she's trying to act.

Aside from that, this movie is extremely stupid and brings very little of value. It's not funny even a tiny bit. Some of the fight scenes are decent, but most of them are so ridiculous and filled with idiotic moments. It borders on cartoonish.

Also can we stop with this trend of casting old and unathletic actors to play these action roles. You could argue against me with John Wick and Mission Impossible, but those are veteran action stars and have been in those specific roles for 10 or 20 years. With this and Nobody (and Nobody 2), it seems they've forgotten the benefits of having an actor that can actually do the fights.

(1 viewing, 3/7/2025)