Released on February 7, 2025, Love Hurts is an American action-comedy directed by Jonathan Eusebio in his directorial debut, starring Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan as Marvin Gable, a seemingly ordinary Milwaukee realtor whose violent past as a hitman comes back to haunt him.
This Valentine’s Day action movie brings together martial arts choreography, dark humor, and romantic elements in a film produced by 87North Productions—the studio behind the acclaimed John Wick franchise.
The film features an ensemble cast including Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Cam Gigandet, Marshawn Lynch, and Sean Astin, creating a star-studded action thriller that attempts to blend multiple genres into one cohesive experience.
Plot Summary: Former Hitman Meets Real Estate Agent
Marvin Gable is a successful real estate agent who recently won top honors from his mentor, Cliff Cussick. His mundane suburban life, selling homes in Milwaukee with his cynically depressed assistant Ashley, masks a dark secret: Marvin is actually a former professional assassin.
Around Valentine’s Day, Marvin receives a crimson envelope from Rose Carlisle, his former partner-in-crime and love interest whom he supposedly left for dead after she stole from “The Company“—a criminal organization run by Marvin’s estranged brother, Alvin “Knuckles” Gable. This reunion thrusts Marvin back into a deadly world of ruthless hitmen, double-crosses, and open houses turned warzones.
The action-comedy plot involves multiple assassins hunting Marvin, including the poetry-obsessed Raven, and a pair of hitmen named King and Otis.
The narrative culminates in Marvin confronting his brother Knuckles after discovering his mentor Cliff was murdered, leading to a final showdown where Rose reveals she contacted Russian gangsters to deal with Knuckles.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews and Divided Opinions
Professional Critics’ Verdict
The 2025 action movie reviews for Love Hurts have been overwhelmingly negative from professional critics. The film earned a devastating Rotten Tomatoes critic score of just 18%, indicating widespread disapproval from reviewers.
Roger Ebert’s review described the film as “plagued by commitment issues,” stating it “wants to be a throwback exploitation programmer with a modern sheen but isn’t invested in the romance, action, or even the comedy it’s trying to sell”. The review highlighted fundamental problems with the film’s execution and emotional believability.
Critics noted that fight scenes are creative and camera work is slick, but when the film shifts to romance, things get shaky. The consensus suggests that Love Hurts action sequences deliver technically proficient choreography, but the film fails to integrate its disparate elements effectively.
Reviewers criticized the comedy as “pretty stale,” with the film “simply leaning on the supposed hilarity of a sunny house hunter with a secret talent for breaking bones”.
Audience Response: More Favorable Than Critics
While critics panned the film, audiences proved more forgiving, giving it a Fresh 61% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This significant gap between professional movie reviews and audience reactions suggests the film delivers enough entertainment value for casual viewers despite its artistic shortcomings.
One reviewer noted, “I couldn’t help but have a great time with the movie’s camp,” acknowledging that while the plot has many moving parts, “Love Hurts is not trying to pull any emotions from us. We root for the characters because they’re fun and zany”.
Ke Huy Quan’s Performance: The Film’s Saving Grace
Oscar Winner Returns to Action
Following his Oscar-winning comeback in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Ke Huy Quan takes his first lead role in an action film with Love Hurts. Critics universally praised Quan’s performance, even those who disliked the overall film.
One review observed that “at 54, Quan has some ferocious moves—and enough charisma to carry a movie as action star and romantic lead. He’s also what keeps Love Hurts from being a painful viewing experience”.
Quan’s style is described as “more akin to Harold Lloyd where there’s a bit more of an edge to the disaster prone hi-jinks,” comparing him favorably to Jackie Chan’s Buster Keaton-inspired martial arts comedy. This martial arts action-comedy approach leverages Quan’s natural charm and physical abilities.
Chemistry Issues with Co-Stars
However, critics found that “Quan and DeBose are far from an idyllic romantic pairing”, creating problems for a film marketed partially as a romantic action-comedy. The film’s love story is described as “a slow burn, with only longing looks, a few embraces, and brief kisses”, failing to establish convincing on-screen chemistry between the leads.
Action Sequences and Fight Choreography
87North Productions’ Signature Style
As a production from 87North—the studio behind John Wick, Love Hurts benefits from professional-grade action choreography. The film utilizes its lead well along with some entertaining action scenes, particularly regarding the first two fights.
One reviewer praised Love Hurts as “that rare action movie almost devoid of noticeable computer effects. It’s a hand-to-hand, bone-crunching martial arts movie with tongue firmly in cheek, resembling those Jackie Chan action comedies from the 1980s and ’90s”. This commitment to practical stunts and physical fight choreography distinguishes the film from CGI-heavy modern action movies.
Technical Execution Problems
Despite strong choreography, critics noted that “for an action film, I can think of very few satisfying deaths or memorable fights in Love Hurts,” with the director appearing “frightened of kills and allergic to allowing the sterling fight choreography to breathe visually”.
The final act particularly disappoints, with “a disappointing number of cuts and close-up shots that make the final fight so underwhelming”. This represents a critical failure for an action thriller where climactic battles should deliver maximum impact.
Comparing Love Hurts vs John Wick and Similar Films
Not Quite John Wick Quality
Reviews directly compared the film to other 87North productions, noting “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”.
When comparing Love Hurts to 87North’s other comedic action film Nobody, critics noted that Nobody “had a solid and efficient first act establishing the mid-life stagnation of Bob Odenkirk’s character,” while Love Hurts “dives in way too fast and we don’t really get a chance to know the characters beyond the surface level”.
The Fall Guy Comparison
The movie also struggles compared to 87North’s The Fall Guy, which “mixed action and romantic comedy much more effectively”. This suggests Love Hurts represents a step backward for the production company’s action-comedy formula.
Supporting Cast and Character Development
Ariana DeBose as Rose
DeBose’s performance drew criticism, with reviewers noting she “continues to accumulate stumbles in his post-Oscar career” and was “given maybe the worst lines in recent memory”. Rose emerges as “a particularly problematic character,” becoming “increasingly difficult to sympathize with” once her backstory is revealed.
Standout Supporting Players
Former NFL player Marshawn Lynch received praise as “an unexpected MVP” in his supporting role. Lynch and Norwegian performer André Eriksen “offer comic relief as a duo of assassins”, providing memorable moments in an otherwise uneven film.
The subplot involving Marvin’s employee Ashley falling in love with The Raven (Mustafa Shakir), who’s tasked with killing Marvin, adds unexpected romance and includes “a clever nod to Sixteen Candles”.
Pacing and Runtime: Too Short Yet Too Long
Brief Runtime
At just 83 minutes including credits, Love Hurts “knows when to wrap things up without overstaying its welcome”. This short action movie runtime should theoretically keep the film moving briskly.
Pacing Problems
However, critics found that “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”.
One reviewer bluntly stated “Never before has 83 minutes felt so very long”, suggesting fundamental structural problems with the action-comedy narrative.
Box Office Performance: Financial Struggles
Opening Weekend and Trajectory
Love Hurts opened with a domestic gross of $5,800,440, debuting at number three behind the horror film Heart Eyes. By its second weekend, the film was projected to earn $4.9 million over three days, pushing its cumulative domestic total to $13.5 million.
Budget and Break-Even Concerns
The film was produced on a budget of $18 million and earned $17 million worldwide, making it a financial disappointment. Industry analysts estimate the movie needs to earn $45 million to break even in theaters when accounting for marketing costs and theater revenue splits.
While Love Hurts became the 10th 2025 release to cross the $10 million domestic milestone, it’s “not looking like the movie will be able to hit that target” for profitability.
Directorial Debut: Jonathan Eusebio’s Vision
From Choreographer to Director
Jonathan Eusebio most recently served as fight coordinator on David Leitch’s The Fall Guy before making his directorial debut with Love Hurts. His background in action choreography shows in the film’s technical fight sequences.
Critical Assessment
However, critics found it “a grave slip and tumble for first-time director Jonathan Eusebio,” noting that his blurred fight scenes lack punch and “the film’s crowd-displeasing tone wears even the most love-sick viewer down”.
One review suggested that “Eusebio shows that perhaps his place is behind the action cameras and not in the creative direction of a feature”, indicating his strengths lie in choreography rather than overall filmmaking.
Themes and Tone: Identity Crisis
Multiple Genres, Unclear Focus
Love Hurts attempts to balance three main elements—”the comedy, the romance, and the action”—but these elements “never quite mesh into a coherent whole, and the film’s uneven tone” creates problems.
The film tries to blend “a slapstick action comedy with a needlessly gratuitously bloody flick,” failing to balance the shooting with the laughs. This tonal inconsistency prevents Love Hurts comedy elements from landing effectively.
Valentine’s Day Marketing
The film’s positioning as a Valentine’s Day movie 2025 creates expectations for romance that the story doesn’t fulfill. The movie “tries to paint itself as a romantic unconventional Valentine’s Day film clunkily establishing a romance between Marvin and Rose,” but “most of it just feels limp”.
Violence and Content Warnings
Graphic Action Sequences
Parents should know that Love Hurts features “lots of bloody violence, with intense martial arts-style and weapons-based fights that lead to many injuries and deaths”. A couple of deaths are particularly graphic, including “a bullet to the head and a drinking straw to the eye”.
Language and Other Content
The film contains “frequent strong language including dozens of uses of ‘f–k,’ ‘motherf—-r,’ ‘s–t,’ ‘a–hole,’ and more”. Despite romantic marketing, the love story features “only longing looks, a few embraces, and brief kisses,” with some scenes taking place in a strip club where performers wear lingerie.
Strengths: What Works in Love Hurts
Practical Stunt Work
The commitment to practical effects and real fight choreography stands out in an era of CGI-dominated action films. The film showcases “hand-to-hand, bone-crunching martial arts” reminiscent of classic Jackie Chan movies.
Ke Huy Quan’s Charm
Ke Huy Quan makes “an appealing lead” with “charismatic” screen presence that elevates the material. His natural likability helps viewers forgive some of the film’s shortcomings.
Brief Runtime
For viewers seeking quick entertainment, the film’s brevity means it doesn’t overstay its welcome, making it potentially suitable as lightweight weekend action movie viewing.
Weaknesses: What Doesn’t Work
Script and Character Development
Critics called the screenplay “completely mundane,” noting “the script has nothing going for it”. Despite having three writers, “it feels like they sketched out a few decent ideas and then decided to start filming without actually finishing the script”.
Romantic Chemistry
The central romance fails to convince viewers, with critics questioning “Are we really supposed to believe Quan and Ariana DeBose as a romantic pairing?” This undermines the film’s romantic action aspirations.
Tonal Inconsistency
The film “becomes a caricature-esque shell of what was promised,” with reviewers noting it “feels a lot like The Fall Guy, which is a more goofy rom-com in its tone” but fails to commit fully to any genre.
Audience Recommendations: Who Should Watch?
Ideal Viewers
Love Hurts might appeal to:
- Ke Huy Quan fans eager to see his first action lead role
- Viewers seeking light hearted action movies without heavy emotional investment
- Fans of martial arts comedy who appreciate practical stunt work
- Anyone looking for Valentine’s Day movie alternatives with action elements
Who Should Skip
The film likely won’t satisfy:
- Those expecting John Wick-quality action or sophisticated storytelling
- Viewers seeking genuine romantic chemistry or compelling love stories
- Critics of tonal inconsistency in action-comedy films
- Audiences wanting polished, cohesive narratives
Home Release and Streaming
Love Hurts was released on DVD and Blu-ray on April 1, 2025, making it available for home viewing shortly after its theatrical run. The film’s Valentine’s Day setting could lead audiences to discover or rewatch it annually around February 14 on VOD and streaming platforms, potentially helping it recoup losses over time.
Final Verdict: Is Love Hurts 2025 Worth Watching?
Love Hurts represents a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed attempt to blend action, comedy, and romance. The film “thrives when it sticks to action and humor,” with creative fight scenes and slick camera work, but falters when attempting emotional depth.
As one balanced review concluded, “Love Hurts is a fun time with a charismatic lead, it moves at a fairly decent pace, and has some creative action”, making it acceptable as disposable entertainment despite significant shortcomings.
For Ke Huy Quan enthusiasts and casual action fans seeking undemanding weekend viewing, Love Hurts offers enough entertainment to justify a watch—particularly now that it’s available on home video. However, those seeking the quality of 87North’s best work like John Wick or Nobody will find this 2025 action-comedy disappointing.
Rating Summary
- Critics Score: 18% Rotten Tomatoes
- Audience Score: 61% Rotten Tomatoes
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Box Office: $17 million worldwide (against $18 million budget)
The film serves as a reminder that star power and quality production values alone cannot overcome fundamental problems with script, pacing, and tonal consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Love Hurts 2025
Q: Is Love Hurts appropriate for children?
Rated R for strong/bloody violence and language throughout, with an age recommendation of 15+.
Q: How long is Love Hurts?
The film runs 83 minutes including credits, making it one of the shorter action releases of 2025.
Q: Where can I watch Love Hurts?
Available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms as of April 2025, with rental options on various streaming services.
Q: Does Love Hurts have a post-credits scene?
Based on available reviews, no post-credits scenes are mentioned.
Q: Is Love Hurts part of a franchise?
No, Love Hurts is a standalone film with no sequels currently announced or planned.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Love Hurts had the ingredients for success: an Oscar-winning lead, professional action choreography, and the backing of a respected production company. However, the film “never fully comes together 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”.
While not without charm—primarily thanks to Ke Huy Quan’s winning performance—Love Hurts ultimately disappoints as a Valentine’s Day action movie, failing to deliver satisfying romance, consistently effective comedy, or memorable action set pieces. It remains watchable but forgettable, destined to be overshadowed by superior entries in the action-comedy genre.
For comprehensive movie reviews 2025 and the latest updates on upcoming action movies, this mixed reception serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of cohesive storytelling, even in genre entertainment. Love Hurts reminds us that assembling quality ingredients doesn’t guarantee a successful final product without the right recipe to bring them together.
