neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Deliver Us From Eva
	Gary Hardwick LL Cool J, Gabrielle Union, Duane Martin, Essence Atkins, Robinne Lee, Meagan Good, Mel Jackson, Dartanyan Edmonds 2003		Given the time-tested plot of "Deliver Us From Eva" (very "Taming of the Shrew"-ish), the obvious magnetism and maturing on-screen dexterity of rapper-turned-leading-man LL Cool J, and the playful title pun, was it too much to hope for a film with intelligent, engaging story mechanics, rich characterizations and sublime wit? Failing all that, how about something raucous fall-down-funny? "Deliver Us From Eva" is none of the above, when it could've been the African-American equivalent of a smart, affecting Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan romantic comedy, with leads LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union filling in for Hanks and Ryan. A trio of middle-class guys are partnered with three of the lovely Dandridge sisters. The fourth, Eva (Union), is a rigid control-freak who dominates her siblings and makes the men miserable. So the fellows hire ladies' man Ray (LL Cool J) to seduce Eva and spurn her, so she'll leave town. But Ray starts to fall for Eva. The film is impeded by cheap jokes, cumbersome set-ups and too much emphasis on supporting players. Worst of all, Ray's romantic feelings for ball-buster Eva are inexplicable. Deliver us, indeed.