Dodge - Active or Passive?

[Varyon]

I think I rather like this handling, although I'd agree with using Evasive Maneuvers or similar as the name to avoid confusion. One thing I'd change is to have it be an option the character takes on his turn, with the decreased movement rate and/or action penalty you outlined to be able to do it at all (further penalties could be available in cinematic campaigns to get a boost to the defense).