Love Hurts is a bizarre one. It’s acquired all of the components for an important motion film with some actually cool struggle scenes, some enjoyable motion, and a solid that ought to be capable of carry it, however one thing about it simply doesn’t click on.
The film is exclusive in its strategy, however distinctive doesn’t at all times imply good. There are gratifying moments, little question, and among the motion sequences are spectacular, however the story is so acquainted and the dialogue so awkward that it by no means absolutely comes collectively.
I used to be excited to observe this film. Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose are each nice actors that I’ve loved watching of their movies, and I like seeing Quan tackle main roles. However I felt like I used to be watching a direct-to-VOD motion flick.
The movie facilities on an ex-criminal turned suburban realtor being dragged again right into a violent previous, and it’s an idea that has potential. However the best way it’s executed feels clunky, just like the film can’t resolve if it needs to be self-aware or take itself severely.
Quan and DeBose do what they will with the fabric they’re given, however they’re working with dialogue that always feels stiff and unnatural. There’s a model of this film that works, however this isn’t fairly it.
That’s particularly shocking given the workforce behind it. With producers who’ve delivered No person, Atomic Blonde, Violent Night time, and The Fall Man, you’d anticipate a pointy, trendy, and well-paced motion thriller.
As an alternative, Love Hurts feels just a little undercooked. First-time director JoJo Eusebio, a seasoned stunt coordinator, clearly is aware of how you can craft motion, however the storytelling and character work don’t maintain up their finish of the deal.
There are flashes of creativity with the struggle sequences, however they’re surrounded by a plot we’ve seen 100 occasions earlier than.
I needed to love this film extra! The motion is there, the solid is strong, and there’s an try at one thing cool, however it simply doesn’t land. When you’re searching for some senseless, well-choreographed fights, Love Hurts has its moments. However when you’re hoping for one thing that sticks with you, this one fades quick.