Released in 2003, Deliver Us From Eva is a spirited romantic comedy that takes Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and gives it a bold, modern makeover. Directed by Gary Hardwick, this underrated gem stars Gabrielle Union as the fierce Eva Dandridge and LL Cool J as the suave Ray Adams, delivering a battle-of-the-sexes romp that’s equal parts funny and charming. With its sharp humor and standout performances, this film proves that Black rom-coms can shine with a mix of wit and heart. Here’s why Deliver Us From Eva deserves a second look.
Plot and Performances: A Fiery Match
The story centers on Eva, a tough-as-nails health inspector whose overprotective nature has driven her three sisters—Kareenah (Essence Atkins), Bethany (Robinne Lee), and Jacqui (Meagan Good)—to their wits’ end. Tired of Eva’s meddling in their marriages, the sisters hatch a plan: hire Ray, a charismatic delivery man, to seduce her and get her out of their hair. What starts as a scheme quickly turns into a genuine romance, as Eva’s defenses crumble under Ray’s persistent charm.
Gabrielle Union is the film’s firecracker, bringing Eva to life with a commanding presence and razor-sharp delivery. She’s unapologetically fierce yet subtly vulnerable, making Eva’s transformation both believable and satisfying. LL Cool J, with his effortless cool and megawatt smile, is the perfect foil—his Ray is smooth without being sleazy, turning a hired gig into a heartfelt pursuit. The supporting cast, including the sisters and their exasperated husbands (played by Mel Jackson, Dartanyan Edmonds, and Duane Martin), adds comedic heft, though they’re mostly there to prop up the central duo.
A Modern Shakespeare: Flipping the Script
Deliver Us From Eva cleverly adapts its Shakespearean roots for a contemporary Black audience. Instead of a misogynistic “taming,” the film flips the narrative—Eva isn’t broken down but softened by love, retaining her strength while opening her heart. Ray’s role isn’t to dominate but to match her energy, creating a dynamic that feels more equal than the original play. The result is a rom-com that respects its heroine, offering a fresh take on a centuries-old story.
Strengths and Flaws: Laughs with Limits
The film’s biggest strength is its humor. Union’s sassy one-liners—like her biting retorts to Ray’s flirtations—land every time, while LL Cool J’s playful swagger keeps the tone light. The premise is inherently funny, and the sisters’ desperate plotting delivers plenty of laughs. At 1 hour and 45 minutes, it moves briskly, wrapping up with a sweet, if slightly predictable, resolution.
However, Deliver Us From Eva isn’t flawless. The supporting characters are thinly drawn, with the sisters’ husbands blending into a chorus of grumbling. The plot leans heavily on rom-com clichés—misunderstandings, grand gestures—and doesn’t always push beyond the surface. Still, Union and LL Cool J’s chemistry carries it through, making the ride enjoyable even when it’s familiar.
Visuals and Direction: Bright and Bold
Hardwick’s direction keeps things visually lively, with a colorful urban setting that reflects early-2000s LA. The costumes—Eva’s polished power suits versus Ray’s laid-back delivery uniform—play up their opposites-attract vibe. The film’s energy peaks in scenes like Eva’s showdowns with Ray or the sisters’ scheming sessions, shot with a sitcom-esque flair that suits its comedic roots.
Conclusion: An Underrated Rom-Com Gem
Deliver Us From Eva may not have the cultural clout of bigger Black rom-coms, but it’s a delightful entry that punches above its weight. Gabrielle Union’s fierce performance and LL Cool J’s smooth charm elevate a familiar premise into something fresh and fun, while the Shakespearean twist adds a clever layer. It’s not groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be—this is a film that revels in its wit, warmth, and Black love, making it a perfect pick for a lighthearted movie night. Underrated and underappreciated, Deliver Us From Eva is a comedic charmer worth rediscovering.
10 FAQs About Deliver Us From Eva (2003)
What is Deliver Us From Eva about?
It’s about Eva, a tough woman whose sisters hire Ray to woo her and curb her meddling in their lives.
Who stars in Deliver Us From Eva?
Gabrielle Union plays Eva, and LL Cool J is Ray, with Essence Atkins, Robinne Lee, and Meagan Good as her sisters.
How is it inspired by Shakespeare?
It’s a modern take on The Taming of the Shrew, reimagining the “taming” as a mutual softening through love.
What’s Eva’s job in the film?
She’s a health inspector, which fuels her no-nonsense attitude and control over her sisters’ lives.
Did Deliver Us From Eva win any awards?
No major wins, but its performances and humor earned it a cult following.
Who directed Deliver Us From Eva?
Gary Hardwick, known for The Brothers, helmed the film.
What’s a standout feature of the movie?
The electric chemistry between Union and LL Cool J drives the comedy and romance.
How long is Deliver Us From Eva?
It runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes, keeping its pace brisk and fun.
What’s the tone of the film?
It’s lighthearted and comedic, with a touch of romance and sass.
Why is it considered underrated?
Despite strong leads and humor, it flew under the radar compared to bigger rom-coms of the era.
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Explore These External Links FOR ANY FILMS INCLUDING ROM COMS!
🎥 Your Film Critic HubDive into the world of movie reviews and ratings! With its iconic Tomatometer, Rotten Tomatoes helps you quickly determine if a film is a "fresh" masterpiece or a "rotten" flop.
🎬 The Ultimate Entertainment DatabaseThe Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a treasure trove of information. Discover cast lists, trailers, trivia, and fan reviews for your favorite movies and TV shows.
⭐ Critic Scores at a GlanceMetacritic aggregates reviews from top publications to give you a clear, weighted score—helping you decide if a movie is worth your time.
📚 Social Networking for CinephilesLog the movies you watch, write reviews, and connect with fellow film enthusiasts. Letterboxd is the ultimate platform for movie buffs to share their passion.
🎯 Tailored Film RecommendationsCriticker uses a unique scoring system to suggest movies you'll love, based on your personal ratings and preferences.
🔍 The Review AggregatorExplore the web’s largest collection of movie reviews. Search for any title and access critiques from across the internet, all in one place.
🎥 The Legacy of a LegendCelebrate the legacy of Roger Ebert. Discover classic reviews, current film critiques, and thought-provoking articles about the deeper meanings of cinema.
🎞️ In-Depth Film AnalysisEnjoy thoughtful analysis and insightful features on the art and craft of filmmaking from one of the most respected film journals.
📰 Latest Film News & ReviewsStay updated with news, reviews, and opinion pieces. The Guardian’s film section offers trusted insights on movies from around the world.
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