Love Hurts (2025) Film Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Action, Comedy, and Missed Opportunities
Love Hurts (2025), directed by Jonathan Eusebio in his feature debut, is a Valentine’s Day-themed action-comedy that aims to blend high-octane stunts with romantic and comedic flair. Starring Ke Huy Quan as Marvin Gable, a former hitman turned realtor, and Ariana DeBose as his vengeful ex-partner Rose, the film has generated a wide range of reactions since its February 7, 2025 release. With a cast that includes Daniel Wu, Marshawn Lynch, and Sean Astin, and a production backed by 87North (known for John Wick and The Fall Guy), Love Hurts promised a thrilling ride but has left critics and audiences divided. Here’s a dive into the reviews, exploring what works, what doesn’t, and why this film is sparking such varied responses.
A Showcase for Ke Huy Quan’s Charisma
One consistent point of praise across reviews is Ke Huy Quan’s performance. Critics highlight his charm and physicality, with ScreenRant noting that his “earnest sincerity” makes Marvin instantly likable, even in a flawed film. Quan’s ability to balance action-hero grit with a nebbishy, cookie-baking realtor persona draws comparisons to Jackie Chan’s 1980s and ’90s action-comedies. The Action Elite calls him “an appealing lead,” emphasizing that his martial arts skills shine in well-choreographed fight scenes. Fans on Reddit echo this sentiment, with one user on r/AMCsAList saying, “I’m never going to say no to a Ke Huy Quan film,” reflecting the goodwill he’s earned post-Everything Everywhere All at Once.
However, even Quan’s star power can’t fully salvage the film for some. RogerEbert.com laments that his talents are “saddled with the most insipid dialogue imaginable,” and Vulture argues that the script gives him “nothing compelling to do.” Despite these critiques, Quan’s performance is a clear highlight, with many reviewers wishing for a better vehicle to showcase his leading-man potential.
Action Shines, But the Tone Falters
The film’s action sequences, choreographed by Eusebio—a veteran stunt coordinator for John Wick and Deadpool 2—are a strong suit. Rotten Tomatoes reviews praise the “kinetic and creative” fights, with standout moments like a real estate closing turning into a brawl and inventive use of domestic objects like cookie cutters. ScreenRant describes the action as “expertly crafted,” and Blazing Minds calls the choreography “amazing,” noting that it keeps the film engaging despite its flaws. Marshawn Lynch’s comedic turn as a knife-wielding, poetry-loving hitman named Raven also earns laughs, with The Movie Blog calling him an “unexpected MVP.”
Yet, the film struggles with tonal inconsistency. Common Sense Media notes that the comedy, romance, and action “never quite mesh into a coherent whole,” making the 83-minute runtime feel “oddly sluggish.” Critics like The Guardian point out the “gloating reliance on gore,” with graphic violence (e.g., a pen in an eyeball) clashing with the intended rom-com vibe. Reddit users on r/moviereviews describe the tone as “scattershot,” with some feeling the film tries to be a “live-action cartoon” but lacks the grounding needed for emotional investment. The romance between Quan and DeBose is a particular weak point, with Rendy Reviews and others noting a lack of chemistry, exacerbated by a 20-year age gap that feels “distracting” or even “creepy” to some IMDb reviewers.
A Script That Falls Short
The screenplay, penned by Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, and Luke Passmore, is a frequent target of criticism. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 19% approval rating from 170 critics, with a consensus of “Ouchie,” reflecting disappointment in the writing. The New York Times calls the plot a “barely-there thread of random incidents,” while The Chicago Sun-Times likens it to a “malfunctioning AI Blender” mixing Tarantino-esque elements with lackluster results. Reviewers on Letterboxd criticize the “sloppily assembled” narrative, pointing to abrupt scene transitions and underdeveloped characters. Metacritic assigns a score of 34/100, with critics like The Daily Beast calling it “dreary” and a “creative waste” for its Oscar-winning leads.
Some defend the film’s simplicity, arguing it’s intentionally campy. Medium describes it as a “Valentine’s Day comic book story” blending Cowboy Bebop and John Wick aesthetics, suggesting its one-dimensional characters and fast pace are deliberate. A Reddit user on r/AMCsAList agrees, saying, “Can’t a flick just be goofy silly sometimes?” Yet, for every viewer who enjoys the “comical sap” (ScreenRant), others find the dialogue “cringe” and the plot “nonsensical” (IMDb).
Box Office and Audience Reactions
Love Hurts grossed $17.6 million worldwide against an $18 million budget, underperforming expectations of $7–8 million in its opening weekend, per Wikipedia. It finished third behind Dog Man and Heart Eyes, dropping out of the top ten by its fourth week. Audience reactions are mixed, with some enjoying the “uninhibited enjoyment” of its campy action (ScreenRant), while others on Reddit (r/boxoffice) canceled screenings after seeing negative reviews, opting for Heart Eyes instead. The film’s Valentine’s Day setting and marketing as a rom-com drew some couples, but Plugged In notes its “little heart and a whole lot of blood” may alienate those expecting a lighter experience.
Final Thoughts: A Flawed but Fun Ride?
Love Hurts is a polarizing film that thrives when it leans into its action and Quan’s charisma but stumbles with its uneven tone and weak script. For fans of over-the-top action and Quan’s infectious energy, it’s a “fun ride” (The Action Elite) worth checking out. However, those seeking a cohesive story or convincing romance may agree with RogerEbert.com that it’s an “unmitigated disaster.” As Medium suggests, it’s a film that surprises some with its quirky charm, but Vulture’s damning verdict—“it hasn’t even tried”—captures the frustration of those who see wasted potential. Whether you’re drawn to its campy violence or deterred by its narrative shortcomings, Love Hurts is a film that lives up to its title in more ways than one.
Have you seen Love Hurts? Did its action-packed chaos win you over, or did it leave you craving more substance? Share your thoughts below!
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, RogerEbert.com, The New York Times, ScreenRant, The Action Elite, Medium, Wikipedia, Reddit, Letterboxd, Metacritic, The Guardian, Common Sense Media, Vulture, IMDb, Blazing Minds, Rendy Reviews, The Movie Blog, Plugged In, The Chicago Sun-Times
