Counter Column is a Christian redemption drama film from Not That Kind Of Movie Productions. Focused on the interaction between a Latino drug dealer and a pair of Midwestern Christians who walk the walk as they try to convert people to their faith, their paths collide when they join the military and struggle through boot camp and beyond.
Anthony (Chris Gonzales) is a drug dealer on the streets of San Antonio. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, he's experienced physical violence and the loss of his family firsthand in a drive-by shooting. Despite his rugged exterior, he's still a hero in his own right, helping to support his family with his illicit money. But Anthony finds himself in one violent scenario after another and realizes his time will be short if he continues on his path. In a last-ditch effort to save himself physically and psychologically, he enlists in the army.
Chris (Nathan-Andrew Hight) is a devout Christian who is determined to share his faith, especially through his own example. Despite a really good job waiting for him back at home, as well as the ability to be present for his girlfriend Beth (Liz Walker) whom he intends to marry, he enlists in the army with his friend Jason (Michael Kaiser) who is also Beth's brother. They pray about it and believe it's the right thing to do to serve God.
Anthony instantly dislikes Chris and feels like it's his personal mission to make Chris's life even more miserable than it needs to be, constantly hurling insults his way as often as he can. But when disaster strikes, Anthony just might find a friend in his chosen enemy. Will Anthony ever be able to redeem his wicked ways and find value in himself as a human being? Will Chris deliver the message of God, or lose his religion suffering through the trials of his faith?
Written and directed by debut filmmaker Gilbert Sorola, there are plenty of rookie moves at work in Counter Column. Perhaps it's due to what he's been tasked with, which is creating a high-handed morality tale and selling it as a drama film. Character arcs appear forced and obvious, leaving as few surprises as there are genuine moments of connection among the characters.
When showing the goodness of people, which is the saving grace at work here, almost every character at least has some decency in them and does the right thing when they're tasked with it. But that can actually work against the efforts of selling Anthony as a villain who can overcome his shortcomings - before he embarks on is journey, he's a likeable drug dealer who takes care of his own, even if he does it in his way.
While the story itself is structurally sound and often works for the most part, the pacing and editing do the film no favors. From a clunky bike accident where the result is unclear, to hiding any risqué material like a nude magazine through sly cinematography, to people considering signing up for the army and then suddenly appearing without ever showing a clear decision, the story is constantly moving forward even if it's in spurts and jolts.
Counter Column could easily be a long, paid advertisement for both joining the military, as well as the church. While there's not too much technically wrong with it, and the lead character delivers a performance much higher than his pay grade, it still waffles to deliver emotional impact or a face-palming conclusion. Some surprisingly well-executed action scenes for a Christian movie is a major strength, but it still pales in comparison to other contenders in this genre which excel in every category.