, featuring Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, and Daniel Wu. This action-comedy follows a retired hitman whose peaceful life is shattered when family and old enemies come knocking.){kind=link}
Directed by Jonathan Eusebio
“Love Hurts” premiered in theaters in the United States on February 7, 2025.
Distributed by Universal Pictures.
Movie Review
“Love Hurts” is an action-comedy featuring Ke Huy Quan as Marvin Gable, a former hitman pulled back into his dangerous past when Rose Carlisle (Ariana DeBose) seeks his help.
The film delivers high-energy fight sequences and humorous moments, but its disjointed narrative and underdeveloped romance leave much to be desired.
While the film’s quick pace (83 minutes) and Quan’s performance add some appeal, it struggles to balance action and emotional depth.
It’s a fun watch for fans of light action, but it doesn’t fully satisfy as a cohesive story.
Love Hurts (2025) Actors
Ke Huy Quan as Marvin Gable
DOB: August 20, 1971
Ke Huy Quan is an actor and director, best known for his breakthrough role in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies.
After a hiatus from acting, he made a triumphant return to the screen, winning acclaim for his role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Role in Love Hurts: Quan plays Marvin Gable, the film’s protagonist, a former hitman seeking redemption while trying to escape his violent past.
He is forced back into the world he left behind when a past threat resurfaces.
What to Expect: Quan brings his depth and emotional range to the role, blending action with heartfelt moments as Marvin wrestles with his troubled history and moral choices.
Favorite Things: Quan loves photography, reading, and spending time with family. He also enjoys hiking and exploring nature.
Notable Works: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Ariana DeBose as Rose Carlisle
DOB: January 25, 1991
Ariana DeBose is an award-winning actress and dancer, celebrated for her role as Anita in West Side Story, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her career has spanned stage and screen, where she’s known for her powerful performances.
Role in Love Hurts: DeBose portrays Rose Carlisle, a sharp and resourceful ally to Marvin.
A former associate of Marvin’s, she finds herself caught up in his world once again as secrets unravel and danger looms.
What to Expect: Expect DeBose’s performance to be captivating, bringing both strength and vulnerability to a character who must navigate her own complex feelings about loyalty and survival.
Favorite Things: DeBose is passionate about dance, music, and activism. She enjoys traveling, particularly to places with rich cultural history.
Notable Works: West Side Story, The Prom, Schmigadoon!, Seesaw Monster.
Daniel Wu as Alvin “Knuckles” Gable
DOB: September 30, 1974
Daniel Wu is an American actor, director, and producer known for his roles in both Asian and international cinema.
He rose to fame in Hong Kong films before transitioning to Hollywood roles.
Role in Love Hurts: Wu plays Alvin “Knuckles” Gable, Marvin’s hard-hitting brother.
A loyal and skilled fighter, Knuckles is brought back into the action when a dangerous rival comes after Marvin.
What to Expect: Wu’s portrayal of Knuckles is expected to be intense and gritty, adding a layer of action and toughness to the film’s dynamic.
Favorite Things: Wu enjoys playing basketball, photography, and working on his cars.
He’s also a fan of martial arts.
Notable Works: Into the Badlands, Tomb Raider, Warcraft, The Man with the Iron Fists.
Mustafa Shakir as The Raven
DOB: August 21, 1976
Mustafa Shakir is an actor and producer, recognized for his role as Bushmaster in Marvel’s Luke Cage.
He has built a reputation for his compelling performances in both television and film.
Role in Love Hurts: Shakir plays The Raven, a mysterious figure from Marvin’s past with a personal vendetta.
As the antagonist, The Raven’s dangerous motivations complicate Marvin’s already precarious situation.
What to Expect: Shakir brings a menacing and complex edge to the film, playing a villain with depth and a compelling backstory.
Favorite Things: Shakir enjoys fitness, martial arts, and creative writing.
He is also a lover of jazz music.
Notable Works: Marvel’s Luke Cage, The Deuce, The Cavern.
Lio Tipton as Ashley
DOB: November 9, 1988
Lio Tipton is an actress and model known for their breakout role in Crazy, Stupid, Love.
They have appeared in a range of films and TV shows, with a versatile career that spans comedy, drama, and thriller genres.
Role in Love Hurts: Tipton portrays Ashley, a sharp and sarcastic informant who plays a key role in Marvin’s pursuit of answers.
Ashley’s wit and resourcefulness bring a refreshing dynamic to the film.
What to Expect: Tipton’s role adds levity and intelligence to the plot, balancing out the more intense moments with their comedic timing.
Favorite Things: Tipton enjoys photography, vintage fashion, and spending time in nature.
They also have a passion for cooking and experimenting with new recipes.
Notable Works: Crazy, Stupid, Love, Sadie, Two Night Stand.
Cam Gigandet as Renny Merlo
DOB: August 16, 1982
Cam Gigandet is an American actor best known for his roles in Twilight and Never Back Down.
He has built a career through playing tough, often brooding characters.
Role in Love Hurts: Gigandet plays Renny Merlo, a former criminal and one of Marvin’s old acquaintances.
His character is both a source of help and a potential danger to Marvin’s plans.
What to Expect: Expect a raw and rugged performance, as Gigandet portrays a man caught between past loyalties and present consequences.
Favorite Things: Gigandet enjoys surfing, sports, and spending time with his family.
Notable Works: Twilight, Never Back Down, Burlesque, Easy A.
Marshawn Lynch as King
DOB: April 22, 1986
Marshawn Lynch is a retired American football player turned actor, famously known for his intense playing style and charismatic personality.
He transitioned into acting after his sports career, bringing his larger-than-life persona to film.
Role in Love Hurts: Lynch plays King, a tough and powerful figure in the underworld who has ties to Marvin’s past. His character plays a pivotal role in the evolving tension within the film.
What to Expect: Lynch is expected to bring a unique physicality to his role, offering both humor and action-packed moments.
Favorite Things: Marshawn enjoys music, community outreach, and giving back through his foundation.
Notable Works: Bottoms, The League.
Sean Astin as Cliff Cussick
DOB: February 25, 1971
Sean Astin is an iconic American actor best known for his role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
He has appeared in a range of films and television series, often bringing warmth and integrity to his characters.
Role in Love Hurts: Astin portrays Cliff Cussick, a well-meaning but somewhat naive character who finds himself drawn into Marvin’s chaotic world.
His character offers comic relief and emotional depth.
What to Expect: Astin’s performance will add humanity to the gritty action of Love Hurts, making his character one to root for.
Favorite Things: Astin loves reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. He’s also a passionate advocate for human rights.
Notable Works: The Goonies, Rudy, The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Rhys Darby as Kippy Betts
DOB: March 21, 1974
Rhys Darby is a New Zealand actor and comedian, recognized for his quirky humor and distinctive comedic style.
He’s best known for his role in Flight of the Conchords.
Role in Love Hurts: Darby plays Kippy Betts, a tech-savvy ally who uses his wit and gadgets to help Marvin out of sticky situations.
His role provides levity to the otherwise intense atmosphere.
What to Expect: Darby’s comedic timing will bring moments of lightness to the film while balancing the serious action.
Favorite Things: Darby enjoys improvisational comedy, music, and technology.
Notable Works: Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, The Boat That Rocked.
André Eriksen as Otis
DOB: October 22, 1975
André Eriksen is a Norwegian actor known for his work in Scandinavian cinema.
He has built a reputation for playing intense, complex characters in both film and television.
Role in Love Hurts: Eriksen plays Otis, a mysterious figure who holds vital information about Marvin’s past. His enigmatic nature adds suspense to the film, keeping audiences guessing.
What to Expect: Eriksen’s portrayal will add a layer of intrigue and mystery to the storyline.
Favorite Things: Eriksen enjoys theater, hiking, and skiing.
Notable Works: The Trip, Pioneer, Lilyhammer.
FAQ – Love Hurts (2025)
Why is “Love Hurts” rated R?
The film is rated R due to its intense action scenes, strong language, and violent content.
Is “Love Hurts” a comedy?
Yes, “Love Hurts” is primarily an action-comedy, blending thrilling fight scenes with humorous moments.
Is “Love Hurts” worth watching?
If you’re a fan of action-comedies and Ke Huy Quan’s performance, it’s a fun but brief ride, though it lacks emotional depth and narrative cohesion.
How long is “Love Hurts”?
The film has a runtime of 83 minutes, making it a quick action-packed watch.
Why is “Love Hurts” rated R?
“Love Hurts” is rated R due to its intense action scenes, strong language, and violent content, which include fight sequences and some graphic moments.
What happens at the end of “Love Hurts”?
At the end of Love Hurts, Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) successfully confronts his criminal past and his brother, Knuckles, with the help of Rose Carlisle (Ariana DeBose).
The film ends with Marvin reconciling with his past while making the decision to move forward, leaving behind his violent lifestyle for good.
While the romantic tension with Rose is not fully resolved, Marvin finds peace, signaling a potential new beginning for him.
Conclusion
“Love Hurts” (2025) offers an action-packed ride with strong performances, especially from Ke Huy Quan, but it falls short in delivering a well-rounded story.
The mix of action and romance feels uneven, leaving the film to feel rushed and lacking emotional depth.
While it can be an entertaining quick watch for fans of the genre, it doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
If you’re looking for something lighthearted and fast-paced, it may be worth a watch