Bad Counselors (2026)

(dir. Chris Dowling)

Fathom Entertainment

By: Tarek Fayoumi

Bad Counselors, it is like Wedding Crashers but with College Students:

Produced by Loam Entertainment, Zero Gravity, and Narrow Gate Entertainment, distribution is done by Fathom Entertainment for Bad Counselors. The film is directed by Chris Dowling (Where Hope Grows, Run the Race). Bad Counselors is a lighthearted comedy about two friends, Grayson and Tyler, who are part of a fraternity forced to do community service. Grayson is played by Matt Cornett (Stressed to Death, The Goldbergs), while Tyler is captured by Ramon Reed (The Goldbergs, Eddie). The two friends find themselves on the wrong side of the law as a result of their ridiculous behavior, and must do 120 hours of community service. The misdirected duo decide, upon mistakenly walking into a church, that taking part in a mission trip may fulfill their probation hours. As camp counselors, Tyler and Grayson find meaningful laughs, despite their self-serving motivations.

Chris Klein from the American Pie Franchise Adds Joyful Value:

The pastor of the trip is Tom and he is played by Chris Klein (American Pie, Election). Klein adds faith and quirkiness to the adventure that ultimately provides  Grayson and Tyler enough grace to provide the wayward young men  a chance to rise. For Grayson and Tyler, being role models is not easy, but is not always easy for Tom as a pastor either. The concept of connection is presented in a positive light through Klein’s performance. Pastor Tom points out to the misguided pair that  making mistakes can lead to new meaning. Despite his religious path, even he made plenty of mistakes in his youth. Even though Grayson and Tyler are kings of partying at their fraternity, they learn how to inspire the many attendees as camp counselors. As much as they are not fond of community service, they see that religious activities can bring more positive attitudes together.

Worth the time?

The film only runs from July 27th, with opportunity for expansion. Being distributed by Fathom Entertainment, I found it worth the time and energy.  Having the  experience of taking in an independent comedy on the big screen that will likely not reach a broad audience makes the experience feel as unique as it is humorous. It is a comedy where even laughs and riots can exist from the smallest things in life. For tickets and listings, visit the link below. 

https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/bad-counselors/