I am not sure whether it was my age when I first watched spring break movies, the age of the cast, or some combination of the two, but Bad Counselors took me back to that uncertain period between being in school and becoming responsible for yourself. The movies I watched growing up often told stories about carefree young people setting off on adventures, encountering a life-changing challenge, and seemingly becoming functioning adults overnight. That movie magic always left me wondering what adventure I should have taken – especially on the days when I am not convinced, I have fully figured out adulthood myself.
Director Chris Dowling brings considerable care, talent, and attention to Bad Counselors. The film offers a more grounded story about two college fraternity brothers who have landed in trouble with the police one too many times. Hoping to avoid being expelled, they agree to perform community service and sign up as counselors at a weeklong spring break camp – which happens to be a church camp. Admittedly, there is still a little movie magic in how the perfect solution appears at just the right moment, but the premise feels closer to reality than much of what typically reaches the big screen.
The storyline is predictable, but that did not diminish my enjoyment. If anything, its familiar structure creates room for meaningful connections to develop between Grayson (Matt Cornett) and Patrick (Brayden Gleave), as well as Tyler (Ramon Reed) and Shadow (Dominic Lopez). Few films take the time to explore genuine bonds between older and younger people who are not siblings. Watching small moments of kindness make a lasting impact on someone else’s life was refreshing.
Bad Counselors is a Christian, faith-based film, but the moments that could be considered “preachy” are brief and appropriate to the church/ church-camp setting. The film also gently portrays the internal struggle of someone deciding what faith means to them. Rather than insisting there is only one path, it presents faith as one possible choice and allows the character’s journey to unfold naturally.
The cast delivers relatable characters who feel like people many of us have encountered in real life. A few supporting characters with limited screen time are intentionally exaggerated, but their familiar personalities add some welcome and unexpected humor. It was also fun to see TikTok influencer Kevin Lawson appear as a bouncer.
If you are looking for a lighthearted, heartfelt film about growing up, forming unexpected connections, and finding direction, Bad Counselors is a worthwhile choice.
Director: Chris Dowling
Written By: Taylor Grabowsky, Ryan Gunnarson, Dexter Masland
Cast: Missie Pyle, Matt Cornett, Ramon Reed, Chris Kline
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for suggestive material.
Genres: Comedy, Family
Selig Rating: 3.5 Stars
Runtime: 1hr 40 min
Release Date: July 23, 2026
Trailer: Bad Counselors trailer
RichardsonThe Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.