Review of Everybody Hates Chris

Based in Brooklyn, New York, in the early eighties, "Everybody Hates Chris" is narrator Chris Rock's story of his growing-up experiences. Sometimes sad, sometimes thought-provoking, but always hilarious, Rock leads viewers through his early-teen life with his family, school, and neighborhood.

Fourteen-year-old Tyler James Williams is perfect in the role of Chris-- a basically-average but very bright kid, doing his best in his everyday life with his potential for future greatness already shining through. Chris's father, Julius, is played by Terry Crews-- a sometimes-gruff, stubborn man, but clearly a wonderful role model for his family. Tichina Arnold, as Rochelle, is the strong but sensitive mother.

The parts of Chris's siblings are portrayed by Tequan Richmond (Drew), and Imani Hakim (Tonya). They bring a wondrous mixture of laughter and drama to the series. Last but not least of the regular cast is Chris's best friend, Greg, played by Vincent Martella.

Growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, with its high crime rate, poses numerous difficulties. But the members of "Everybody Hates Chris" takes most of it in stride, focusing on family and neighborhood friendships to not only stay afloat but thriving. They know that to stick together and stand together works. The same philosophy holds true at Chris's school, Corleone Junior High, where he and Greg occasionally meet up with the school bullies.

The cast members of "Everybody Hates Chris" fit together superbly in this series; and each of the cast has an admirable background. Tyler James Williams has been in a number of popular t.v. shows, having begun his acting career on Sesame Street at age four. Terry Crews, who has numerous acting credits, is a former football player, having been with the Rams, the Chargers, and the Redskins. Tichina Arnold, who has appeared in movies and television, won an NAACP Image Award for her work in "Everybody Hates Chris." Tequan Richmond and Vincent Martella also have prior television experience; and Imani Hakim has acted in stage productions. Together, the group brings experience and natural talent to this delightful series.

While "Everybody Hates Chris" is a story about adolescence, and all its pitfalls and joys, it is even more about the experience of knowing that not only is one not alone in the world, it is a very positive thing indeed to know that there are always friends and family to depend on, and that they equally depend on him. It is this connection which provides Chris with the security and stability to not become one of the "street statistics" of many youth in such a location, but instead to thrive and realize his full potential. In "Everybody Hates Chris," each of the cast has his own contribution to make-- both to themselves and to each other-- and in doing this, they see each other through such difficulties as being confronted by criminals, their home being sabotaged by a very unusual boarder, and an obnoxious uncle who always knows when it's mealtime. In short, Chris and his family manage to find humor in almost every situation-- and strength in every situation. "Everybody Hates Chris" is definately one of the best sitcoms currently available.