Love Hurts has arrived in theaters, delivering an entertaining mix of action, comedy, and romance that’s just right for Valentine’s Week. The film stars Ke Huy Quan in his first leading role since gaining immense fame for his performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. However, there’s much more for fans to enjoy.
The film also serves up a generous helping of nostalgia, particularly for those raised in the 1980s, featuring a touching reunion between Quan and his former co-star, Sean Astin, who is best known for his part in the iconic 1985 film, The Goonies. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, Love Hurts follows Marvin, a Milwaukee realtor with a dark criminal past whose life is flipped upside down when an old partner-in-crime resurfaces, seeking revenge and pulling Marvin back into a history he desperately wishes to keep hidden.
In this film, Ke Huy Quan plays Marvin, while Sean Astin takes on the role of Cliff, his cowboy hat-wearing boss. Their heartwarming bond is reminiscent of the playful interactions they shared in The Goonies. A delightful Easter Egg is cleverly tucked away in the film, paying homage to the beloved ’80s classic: a framed photo of Marvin and Cliff standing on a cliff against a picturesque backdrop. In this scene, Marvin holds a map, and Cliff is shown wearing a cap that closely resembles the one Quan’s character, Data, donned in the original movie.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Quan discussed how the idea for the Easter Egg came to be. “From the beginning, when [Astin] said yes to play Cliff, we were just thinking, ‘Okay, how do we give a little nod to all those incredible Goonies fans?’… That was our little Easter egg. Because over the years, the most asked question [we get is], ‘Will we ever have a Goonies sequel?’”
The Goonies remains a certified classic, a cherished adventure film that continues to resonate through generations. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, it boasted a star-studded ensemble including Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Josh Brolin, Martha Plimpton, Jeff Cohen, and Ke Huy Quan himself. The film grossed $125 million worldwide against a $19 million budget, marking it as a significant triumph. With a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics have described The Goonies as “an energetic, sometimes noisy mix of Spielbergian sentiment and fun-house tricks that will appeal to kids and nostalgic adults alike.”
Despite being ripe for a sequel, The Goonies has yet to see a follow-up, although there have been whispers of a reboot. Years ago, a Goonies reboot was in development at Warner Bros., but interest waned, and no concrete plans materialized. Nevertheless, cast members, including Quan, have expressed their enthusiasm for returning to their iconic roles. For now, Quan suggests that for those searching for a taste of nostalgia or a stroll down memory lane, they should watch the scenes he shares with Sean Astin in Love Hurts. “It was incredible to be able to share the screen with him after 40 years,” Quan reflected. “All of a sudden, I was just a kid back on the set of The Goonies. You can clearly see I’m emotional. I just could not believe that I got to act with Sean again.”
Moreover, Quan illuminated the enchanting atmosphere of filming Love Hurts, highlighting the presence of a third Goonie on set during the filming of his scenes with Astin. Jeff Cohen, known for his role as Chunk, was there representing Quan as his entertainment attorney and monitored the take from behind the scenes. This joyful gathering of past co-stars brought an extra layer of magic to the filming experience, creating a truly nostalgic moment for all involved.
As both Sean Astin and Ke Huy Quan navigate the landscape of their careers, their heartfelt nod to The Goonies in Love Hurts reminds audiences of the joy of connection, the significance of nostalgia, and the shared experiences that can transcend generations. With the blend of humor, warmth, and the richness of their past collaboration, this film is more than just entertainment; it embodies a celebration of friendship and the magic of storytelling that both actors cherish.
