Photo credit: movieweb.com

‘Love Hurts’: A Rollercoaster of Romance and Action

Getting through Valentine’s Day can be a challenge, especially when the specter of past relationships looms large. This dilemma takes center stage in the film Love Hurts, where former criminal Marvin Gable’s attempt to start fresh as a realtor is complicated by the reappearance of an old flame. The film balances elements of comedy, romance, and intense action, creating a unique cinematic experience.

The narrative of Love Hurts is intricate and filled with high-stakes action, echoing the frenetic style of films like Bullet Train, directed by David Leitch, who is also behind this project. Leitch’s production house has a track record of creating engaging action films, including Nobody and The Fall Guy. The cast is equally impressive, featuring Oscar winners Ke Huy Quan and Ariana Debose, alongside Sean Astin, known for his role in The Goonies, adding a nostalgic touch as Marvin’s boss.

Rating: 3.5/5

Release Date: February 7, 2025

Director: JoJo Eusebio

Writers: Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, Luke Passmore

Navigating the Complexity of ‘Love Hurts’

The plot of Love Hurts can quickly become convoluted, making it challenging for viewers to keep track of alliances and adversaries. At the heart of the story is a criminal organization headed by Alvin “Knuckles” Gable, played by Daniel Wu. Marvin Gable, portrayed by Ke Huy Quan, is Knuckles’s brother who once worked for him but seeks redemption in the real estate business. The tension escalates when Marvin is ordered to kill Rose, played by Ariana Debose, a trusted member of Knuckles’s crew, after she’s suspected of embezzling funds. Torn between duty and love, Marvin spares her, setting off a chain of chaotic events.

When Rose returns, it sends shockwaves through the criminal underworld. In a bid to uncover the truth, Knuckles dispatches an assassin named Raven to track down Marvin, although Raven’s efforts do not yield results. Meanwhile, Knuckles’s second-in-command, Renny Merlow, also pursues Marvin, leading to a web of intrigue and double-crossing.

During her quest for justice, Rose takes a drastic step by kidnapping Knuckles’s accountant, Kippy Betts, portrayed by Rhys Darby. In this high-stakes scenario, Kippy reveals the depths of corruption within the organization and confirms that he and Merlow were the real thieves, framing Rose in the process. This revelation complicates allegiances and sets the stage for further conflict.

Unexpected Twists in a Real Estate Deal

In a twist of fate, Marvin and Rose find themselves in a property Marvin is attempting to sell when she discloses her kidnapping of Kippy. As tension builds, two potential buyers unexpectedly arrive, prompting Marvin to maintain a façade of normalcy while Kippy remains hidden. Complicating matters, Ashley, Marvin’s assistant, has become infatuated with Raven after discovering his poetry. This infatuation inadvertently leads Raven into the fray, as he arrives at the property with Ashley.

As the narrative unfolds, chaos ensues. When Raven attacks Marvin amid the confusion, Kippy seizes the moment to alert Merlow of their whereabouts, directing more conflict towards Marvin and Rose. With mercenaries dispatched to retrieve them, the stakes rise dramatically.

The escalating violence takes a grim turn when Drew Scott, playing Marvin’s rival Jeff Zaks, a character parodically inspired by his role on Property Brothers, rushes in to assist Marvin but meets a grim fate at the hands of Merlow’s henchmen. The action sequences are swift, leaving the viewers on the edge of their seats as Marvin and Raven join forces to combat the mercenaries. However, in the aftermath of the brawl, tension remains between Marvin and Raven, fueled by Ashley’s affections.

Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

The film reaches a fever pitch at Knuckles’s headquarters, where a violent power struggle unfolds. In a climactic moment, Marvin confronts Knuckles, who has already discovered Merlow’s treachery. A fierce showdown ensues between the two brothers, marked by emotional stakes and unresolved resentments. Marvin emerges victorious, leading to Knuckles’s downfall as he is exposed for his transgressions.

In this resolution, Rose confronts Knuckles about his deceit, ensuring that the corrupt crime boss faces consequences for his actions. The film concludes with Marvin professing his love for Rose, encapsulating the blend of romance and action that defines Love Hurts. Ultimately, the story weaves a narrative of redemption, love, and the complexities of familial bonds against a backdrop of criminal intrigue.

Source
movieweb.com