Deliver Us From Eva [WS]

Director: Gary Hardwick Gary Hardwick

Overview

"Deliver Us From Eva is appealing if not predictable, and the DVD mirrors that sentiment. Appealing in that Universal has produced a generally nice disc, which is becoming quite predictable, and there's really nothing wrong with being that. The image, framed at 1.85:1, and anamorphic (there is a full-frame version on a separate disc) is gorgeous. Colors are vibrant and detail is outstanding. Flesh tones, in particular, are rich and realistic. There are no signs of any distracting elements in this wonderful transfer. In a nice move, both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 English tracks are included, and while there is some satisfactory use of the bass track, the surrounds aren't employed often. With a romantic comedy though, this isn't unusual, and the crisp, clear dialogue leaves little to complain about. Though not a wide range of supplements, this disc does offer a few additional pieces. Director Gary Hardwick offers a scene-specific commentary, and it truly is that. While very well spoken, his comments do little more than recount what is happening on the screen. The material offered quickly becomes tiresome. Hardwick's intelligence is also evident on the brief PR press kit as he and the cast again tell the story of the film, but don't delve much further. Somewhat more interesting are eight deleted scenes, many which could have stayed in the film, expanding on the overall story. Finally, along with a soundtrack promo, are the music videos ""Paradise"" from LL Cool J and ""This Very Moment"" from K-Ci & JoJo."

Product Details

Release Date:	06/17/2003
UPC:	0025192336324
Original Release:	2002
Rating:	R
Source:	STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS 5.1-Channel Surround Sound]
Language:	English
Time:	1:46:00
Sales rank:	53,307

Special Features

Feature commentary with director Gary Hardwick; "Delivering Eva: Behind the Scenes of Deliver Us From Eva"; LL Cool J - "Paradise" music video; K-Ci & JoJo - "This Very Moment" music video; Deleted scenes

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Gabrielle Union	Eva Dandridge
Essence Atkins	Kareenah Dandridge
Robinne Lee	Bethany Dandridge
Meagan Good	Jacqui Dandridge
Duane Martin	Mike
Mel Jackson	Tim
Dartanyan Edmonds	Darrell
Kim Whitley	Ormandy
Royale Watkins	Telly
Matt Winston	Oscar
Ruben Paul	Rashaun
Dorian Gregory	Lucius Johnson
Kenya Moore	Renee
Yuri Brown	Cynda
Jazsmin Lewis	Lori
Stephen Saux	Bartender
Johnny Gill	Actor
Mane R. Andrew	Thomas
Craig Anton	Theo Wilson
Aloma Wright	Reverend Washington
Kim Oja	Colette
Angela Bryant	Anita
Terry Crews	Big Bartender
Nicole Lyn	Margaritte
Henry Kingi Jr.	Mounted Cop
April Weeden Washington	Mounted Cop
Steve Stapenhorst	Mayor
Adam Lazarre-White	Security Officer
Lynn Ann Leveridge	Woman in Crowd
Bobby Hall	Husband
Mark Swenson	Earl
Terry Dexter	Valerie
Tony Wilkins	Choir Director
Tamiko Williams	Choir Member
Gina Taylor-Pickens	Choir Member
Sybil Harris	Choir Member
Debra Byrd	Choir Member
Hillary Wicht	Choir Member
G Janee David	Choir Member
Nick Cooper	Choir Member
Cory Briggs	Choir Member
LL Cool J	Ray

Technical Credits

Gary Hardwick

Gary Hardwick	Director,Screenwriter
Len Amato	Producer
Reuben Cannon	Casting
Paddy Cullen	Producer
Henry Kingi Jr.	Stunts
Barry Levinson	Executive Producer
Paula Weinstein	Executive Producer
Kim Williams	Casting

Editorial Reviews

More than just a clever title, the intelligent Deliver Us From Eva delivers the goods for those in search of an African-American relationship comedy. Writer/director Gary Hardwick does revisit some of the mild misogyny of his debut, The Brothers, in the person of Eva Dandridge, a domineering shrew who makes life hell for the boyfriends/husbands of her three sisters. But at least there's a warm comedic core to Gabrielle Union's portrayal of the uncompromising health inspector, which features some great facial expressions and sharp-tongued rants, and Hardwick makes sure he eventually reveals the reasons behind her rigidity. Hardwick also oversees a winning rapport between Union and LL Cool J, whose own less-than-ideal character -- a mercenary player -- indicates Hardwick's interest in seeing both genders get their comeuppance. What keeps the film basically subtle is that it illustrates the characters' various stumbling blocks without resorting to ridiculous set pieces or insulting caricatures. The film recognizes what works in other films, perhaps to a fault -- it goes outside its basic relationship structure to cop a few vicarious good vibes from Barbershop, as the sisters meet in a salon and interact with its eccentric denizens for no real plot reason. (And if you stay through the credits, there's a revelation about one of these characters that undercuts Hardwick's apparent enlightenment). If only the third act didn't revolve around a plot contrivance that the characters would need to take idiot pills to believe, Deliver Us From Eva might be better than just a good addition to its genre.