When the movie Love Hurts tries to be a bit of Everything, Everywhere All At Once (movie review link), not even Ke Huy Quan can save it. As much as I love the fact he’s returned to acting following the seminal hit which won him a Golden Globe, not every new film can be as spectacular. The problem is that the premise is better off as a picture starring Jackie Chan than anyone else.
When the fact this film includes various shootouts close to Valentine’s Day along with a reveal concerning sibling rivalry, there’s just too much happening. This work doesn’t try to be a particular genre, but many. It’s a romantic action adventure comedy with an idea or two from John Wick on top.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Marvin Gable (Quan) is not having a happy day. From finding his realtor signs graffitied on, and getting attacked left, right and centre, he has no time to breathe. By the third act, he has to resume an old life he left behind and stop the people chasing after him and Rose (Ariana DeBose). The organization he once worked for are killers for hire, and they believe he knows the whereabouts of this woman.
She’s gathered enough intel to reveal that Marv’s estranged brother, Knuckles (Daniel Wu), has stolen from his business partners. And he wants her six feet under before she leaks it to people who want him dead instead! Since Marvin has to find out too, the build up gets dragged out.
Had this film been given another revision and had some elements edited out, the pacing ought to be better. I didn’t think the subplot concerning the rival realtor was important. All I wanted to see is Quan go Bruce Lee on the bad guys! While he’s not as athletic as this martial arts master, he has some good chops to witness at a fast and furious pace.
While Love Hurts is no game-changer, I hope Quan will be more selective in the roles he accepts. I don’t see him as leading man material, but in supporting roles, he’ll charm every time!
3 Stars out of 5
Love Hurts Movie Trailer
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