Love Hurts: A Quirky Collision of Romance and Mayhem

Love Hurts isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day movie, but it’s exactly the kind of offbeat, unpredictable flick that manages to entertain even when it falls short of its lofty potential. This year, during a low-key Valentine’s themed movie double feature, I kicked things off with Love Hurts—and I have to say, it delivered more than a few surprises.

To me, the selling feature of the film was Marshawn Lynch, a personality we’ve come to love because of his larger-than-life presence both on and off the field. Having seen the trailer several times, I was intrigued by the idea of Lynch stepping into a character role that promises equal parts humor and action. And sure enough, he doesn’t disappoint. His natural charisma and willingness to embrace absurdity bring an infectious energy to every scene he appears in—even in moments that border on the ridiculous, like the unforgettable sequence where he hurls a refrigerator across a room with a person in it. Moments like that remind you why this film, despite its imperfections, is worth a watch.

At its core, the premise of Love Hurts is refreshingly simple. Marvin, a top-of-his-game realtor, finds his life upended when he receives an envelope from a former partner in crime—someone he once left for dead. With her reappearance comes a barrage of trouble: Marvin is soon caught in a dangerous spiral of hitmen, double-crosses, and open houses turned battlegrounds. To complicate matters further, his own brother, a full-blown crime lord, is hot on his trail, forcing Marvin to confront his murky past head-on.

While the setup promises a wild ride, the movie stumbles when it comes to character chemistry. There’s a noticeable lack of spark between the central characters, which makes it hard to fully invest in their high-stakes predicament. The film sprinkles in some quirky subplots—like a hitman who recites poetry and an office assistant with a similar penchant—that at times inject a bit of clever humor into the proceedings. Ironically, it’s these tangential pairings that momentarily capture the audience’s interest, standing out as the best example of chemistry in an otherwise disjointed narrative.

The casting choices overall are a mixed bag. Marvin is engaging and fun, a highlight that carries much of the film’s appeal. However, some of the other casting decisions left me scratching my head. I found myself yearning for deeper, more developed characters who could have elevated the film beyond its quirky, action-packed premise. Despite these shortcomings, the movie’s willingness to experiment and its off-kilter sense of humor make it a delightful if flawed, cinematic experience.

In the end, Love Hurts is a film that dares to be different. It may not deliver the polished, chemistry-driven narrative that one might hope for, but its wild energy and memorable moments more than make up for its missteps. Critics may have their reservations, but if you’re in the mood for something unpredictable and fun—especially on a day when you least expect it—this movie is a worthwhile detour from the ordinary.

Should You Watch It?

Yes, if streaming. I would not go out of my way to view, but would recommend if presented.

VERDICT