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''Barbershop''

Some hardboiled rappers choose to unveil their cuddly side when the inevitable movie role comes their way, but Eve does just the opposite in ''Barbershop.'' ''WHO DRANK MY APPLE JUICE?'' her character shouts, terrifying an entire shop full of male coworkers in a memorable sequence. ''That was my favorite scene to shoot,'' says Eve. ''Just screaming at people -- that was fun.''

Struggling studio MGM is so confident that such comic moments will drive ''Barbershop'' to success that it already has a sequel in the works (though one of Eve's costars expresses doubts: ''I don't believe in talking about sequels until the movie comes out,'' says Ice Cube). Should the movie live up to expectations, Eve is more than ready for cross-media success. ''Hey man, J. Lo does it,'' she says. ''She has movies, music, a clothing line, perfume line -- so I think I'll be able to do it. I would love to be able to do everything.''

To her credit, Eve is nearly unrecognizable in ''Barbershop,'' where she drops her fashion-model chic in an effort to more realistically embody Terri, an ill-tempered hairdresser plagued by a handsome but unfaithful boyfriend. ''Well, I darkened the hair, I covered my tattoos. And, um, my breasts are bigger,'' she says, laughing. ''I had to put on pads and everything. I wear the hoop earrings, and my makeup was totally different. I didn't wanna be Eve. I wanted to be Terri.''

Changing her appearance was a lot easier for Eve than bringing a character to life for the first time. The movie, which depicts a tumultuous day in the life of a Chicago barbershop owned by Ice Cube's character, is a true ensemble piece, with most scenes taking place in the crowded shop. In her first substantial role, Eve had to maintain comic timing while constantly interacting with other actors. ''I was surprised by how natural she was,'' says more experienced thespian Cube. ''She didn't really seem like she was acting.'' Cube says he limited his coaching to simple technical tips about dealing with camera placement.

Eve's performance was boosted by her sense that Terri's circumstances were close to her own: ''I think she's like me in some ways, being the only girl amongst guys all the time, which I'm used to. Also, she has a vulnerable side when it came to her boyfriend -- this guy who treats her bad, but she loves him. Then she finally lets him go, and I understand that.'' Still, Eve attributes her successful initial audition for the role to the calming effects of alcohol: ''I was so relaxed, and it really helped me just get into the character. If I hadn't had a glass of wine, I would have gone in nervous.'' Well, it sure seems more calming than apple juice.