Deliver Us from Eva

Deliver Us From Eva is a 2003 romantic comedy film directed by Gary Hardwick. The film features a star-studded cast, including Gabrielle Union, LL Cool J, and Essence Atkins as main characters along with notable supporting cast members like Duane Martin, Mel Jackson, and Robinne Lee. The screenplay, written by James Iver Mattson, B.E. Brauner, and Gary Hardwick, is a modern, urban interpretation of William Shakepeare's classic play — Taming of the Shrew.

Gabrielle Union gives a striking performance as the central character Eva Dandridge, a health inspector by profession. Her powerful on-screen presence reflects the strength and determination of her character. She is the eldest among four sisters and takes on an overpowering, dominating position in their lives after their parents pass away. She is not only opinionated and controlling but also overprotective, much to the chagrin of her younger sisters. Her need to regulate their lives extends to their relationships, which her sisters' boyfriends and husbands find controlling and overbearing.

The three younger Dandridge sisters are portrayed by Essence Atkins, Robinne Lee, and Meagan Good, who all have relationships with their respective partners. However, they are continually upset by Eva's overbearing nature.

Growing tired of Eva's intrusive behavior, the three desperate men played by Duane Martin, Mel Jackson, and Dartanyan Edmonds hatch a plan to deal with their common problem. They decide to hire someone who can preoccupy Eva, aiming to help them regain control over their relationships.

Herein comes Ray, skillfully played by multi-talented actor, LL Cool J. Ray is a charming, suave ladies' man who presents the perfect foil to Eva's domineering personality. He is deemed the ideal candidate to win Eva's heart, thereby diverting her attention from her sisters.

What ensues is a compelling narrative interlaced with humor, emotion, drama, and romance. The interactions between Eva and Ray are heartwarming, evoking both laughter and tears as they embark on a journey of self-discovery. Will this relationship blossom into something beautiful and organic? Will Ray be successful in his task, or will he fall prey to Eva? You will have to watch the movie to find out!

Gabrielle Union’s handling of her multifaceted character is exemplary, showcasing her pushy yet vulnerable character convincingly. LL Cool J matches up excellently, portraying a layered performance of a character facing numerous challenges of his own. The rest of the ensemble cast delivers equally superb performances, bringing to life the family drama and strained relationships with authentic execution.

The movie is set in Los Angeles, lending vibrant city life aesthetics to the storyline. The excellent production quality paints a vivid picture of the characters' respective habitats and lifestyles. The film's script is intelligent and witty, filled with well-timed humor and touching moments that will keep you engaged from the beginning till the end.

The music in Deliver Us From Eva is automatically a crowd puller. Whether it's the powerhouse soul from artist like Al Green, the streetwise raps from the likes of Fabolous and The Clipse, or the mesmerizing rhythm and blues from the likes of Ashanti and Yolanda Adams, the soundtrack serves up a delicious slice of modern urban music, further adding more charm to film’s engaging narrative.

Overall, Deliver Us From Eva is a delightful cinematic experience, a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and family drama. It is a depiction of familial ties, the search for independence, forging relationships, and finding love in the most unexpected places. The powerful performances by the stellar cast, the rousing screenplay and cinematography, the cherishing soundtrack, all add up to making this film a must-watch for those who appreciate romantic comedies with a touch of real-life struggles and triumphs.