What Is Awful Nice About?
The premise of Awful Nice in 287 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sleepy town that cradles a once‑lovely lake house, two brothers who have long drifted apart are unexpectedly reunited by the news of an inheritance. The property, a relic of their childhood, sits waiting for a decision that could either seal their distance or become the catalyst for a new chapter. The promise of restoring the neglected cabin draws them together on a road trip that feels more like a reluctant pilgrimage than a vacation, offering a quiet backdrop where the past can be examined and the future imagined.
The setting is a blend of rustic charm and off‑beat tourism, where the lake’s stillness is punctuated by the lively chatter of locals who’ve made the area their own stage. A flamboyant business contact, whose mannerisms feel plucked from a bygone era, and a captivating waitress who hints at hidden depths add color to the community, suggesting that the town’s personalities are as layered as the house’s peeling paint. The tone balances gentle humor with heartfelt moments, inviting the audience to savor the comedy that arises from tangled renovation plans, unexpected attractions, and the simple pleasure of small‑town quirks.
Jim arrives with a steady, responsible demeanor, driven by family obligations and a desire for order. In contrast, Dave moves through life with a breezy, improvisational spirit, more inclined toward enjoyment than meticulous planning. Their opposing outlooks set up a dynamic of playful conflict and reluctant cooperation, each brother challenging the other’s assumptions while secretly longing for connection. As they confront the task of reviving the lake house, the brothers also find themselves confronting the unfinished business of their own relationship, promising a journey that is as much about rebuilding a home as it is about rebuilding trust.
What Happens in Awful Nice?
The complete story of Awful Nice, from the first scene to the last, in 448 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Dave, a man who struggles to keep a steady job, claims to have assisted in building houses after Hurricane Katrina, but his life is filled with instability. After yet another failed attempt to settle down, his practical brother, Jim, tracks him down in a wigwam on an Indian reservation in South Dakota. The reason for Jim’s search becomes all too clear when they learn that their father, affectionately known as “The Colonel,” has passed away. Reluctantly, the brothers make their way back to Kansas City for the funeral, marking a somber reunion with their family.
The funeral dinner is a tense affair, filled with awkwardness as the brothers reflect on their lives and relationships. Their differing perspectives—Jim, the responsible brother with a stable family life, and Dave, the carefree spirit focused on personal enjoyment—clash during this difficult time. After the funeral proceedings conclude, it’s time for them to confront their inheritance: a rundown cabin located near Branson, Missouri, which they need to assess. The possibility of a road trip suddenly becomes their next shared experience.
Upon reaching their inherited cabin, the brothers are taken aback by its dilapidated state. They debate whether to demolish it, sell the land, and split the profits. Despite the cabin’s poor condition, they discover a treasure trove of memorabilia, including an extensive sports card collection, which captivates Dave, particularly his Alonzo Mourning rookie card.
Before making any final decisions, the brothers must meet with The Colonel’s eccentric business partner, Jon Charbineau. His appearance suggests a time warp from a 70s action television series, though thankfully, his attire is not as dated as his looks. With a mix of cash and discount coupons for various Branson attractions at their disposal, the brothers, especially Dave, seize the opportunity to indulge in the flamboyant local culture of tourism.
Finding the cabin too much of an eyesore, they opt for a motel. Yet, they soon find themselves the victims of a well-executed prank by the motel owner, who captures their humorous misadventures. One particularly memorable scene occurs when Dave, attempting to sneak into an upscale hotel’s buffet while donning just a bathrobe, inadvertently attracts the attention of the law. This culminates in an encounter with Sheriff Wegman and Deputy Bruce, who playfully enact the classic “good cop, bad cop” routine.
As the brothers attempt to renovate the cabin, their journey is peppered with entertaining escapades and colorful encounters. They meet Lauren, a kind-hearted girl with a past connection to Jim, as well as Petra, an alluring waitress whose friendliness leaves them questioning her true profession. Through these experiences, Dave and Jim navigate their complex relationship, learning to navigate not only their inheritance but their own personal lives.
Awful Nice Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Father's Death” to “Encounter with Petra”. 14 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Father's Death
The story begins with the death of the brothers' father, known as 'The Colonel'. This event prompts Jim to seek out his estranged brother Dave, who has been living a nomadic lifestyle.
Where:South Dakota
- 2
Reunion
Jim finds Dave in a wigwam on an Indian reservation. Their reunion is tense, highlighting the differences between the responsible Jim and carefree Dave as they head back to Kansas City for the funeral.
Where:Indian Reservation, South Dakota
- 3
The Funeral
The brothers attend their father's funeral, which is marked by awkwardness and tension. Their differing lifestyles and priorities are on full display as they grapple with their loss.
Where:Kansas City
- 4
Claiming Inheritance
After the funeral, Jim and Dave learn about their inheritance, which includes a rundown cabin on a lake near Branson, Missouri. This news sets off a series of events that lead to their eventual road trip.
Where:Kansas City
- 5
Road Trip Begins
Jim and Dave embark on a road trip to Branson to check out their new property. Their journey is filled with bickering, showcasing their contrasting personalities.
Where:On the road to Branson, Missouri
- 6
Arriving at the Cabin
The brothers finally arrive at the cabin only to find it in disrepair. Despite this, they discover some valuable memorabilia and a large collection of sports cards that captivates Dave's interest.
Where:Branson, Missouri
- 7
Meeting Jon Charbineau
Before making any decisions about the cabin, they meet The Colonel’s business partner, Jon Charbineau. His eccentric appearance adds a comic relief and sets the stage for their next moves.
Where:Branson, Missouri
- 8
Struggles with the Cabin
The brothers discuss whether to renovate the cabin or sell the property, highlighting their differing views on responsibility. The debate brings up further tensions and disagreements.
Where:Branson, Missouri
- 9
Motel Room Prank
Frustrated with the cabin, they rent a motel room. However, they encounter a prankster who gives them a hard time, showcasing the lighter side of their adventure amidst the challenges.
Where:Branson, Missouri
- 10
Buffet Incident
In a humorous turn of events, Dave attempts to sneak into a fancy hotel buffet in bathrobe attire. His antics not only illustrate his carefree nature but also attract unwanted attention.
Where:Local Hotel, Branson, Missouri
Show the other 4 events of Awful Nice Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Encounter with Law Enforcement
The brothers attract the attention of Sheriff Wegman and Deputy Bruce after Dave’s law-breaking antics at the hotel. This encounter plays out as a comedic 'good cop, bad cop' scenario.
Where:Branson, Missouri
- 12
Fixing Up the Cabin
Deciding to stay and fix up the cabin, the brothers learn valuable lessons about cooperation. This venture leads them to meet new characters and each other in unexpected ways.
Where:Branson, Missouri
- 13
Meeting Lauren
During their journey, Jim reconnects with Lauren, a girl he used to date. Their interaction evokes feelings of nostalgia, prompting Jim to reflect on his own life choices.
Where:Branson, Missouri
- 14
Encounter with Petra
The brothers also meet Petra, a friendly waitress who has an intriguing backstory. Her presence adds complexity to their adventure and steers them towards unexpected decisions.
Where:Local Diner, Branson, Missouri
Who Are the Main Characters in Awful Nice?
3 characters, among them Dave, Jim and Jon Charbineau: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- D
Dave
Dave is depicted as the carefree, irresponsible brother who struggles to find purpose in his life. His laid-back attitude and desire for fun often clash with Jim's more serious demeanor. Despite his flaws, he possesses a childlike enthusiasm that adds levity to their journey.
- 😜 Fun-loving
- 🏖️ Adventurous
- 🆘 Troublemaker
- J
Jim
Jim is the sensible, pragmatic brother who strives to maintain stability and responsibility. He contrasts sharply with Dave's carefree spirit, often finding himself frustrated by Dave's antics. As the story unfolds, Jim's character showcases the struggle between familial duty and personal desire.
- 🧑💼 Responsible
- 👨👧 Family-oriented
- 🎓 Educated
- JC
Jon Charbineau
Jon is portrayed as their father's eccentric business partner, offering both comic relief and a sense of nostalgia. His quirky appearance and laid-back attitude bring a unique flavor to the story, embodying the '70s action TV series vibe that adds to the film's humor.
- 🕶️ Eccentric
- 🎭 Comedic
- 🤵 Businessman
Where and When Is Awful Nice Set?
Awful Nice is set in South Dakota, Kansas City, Branson and Missouri. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern family dynamics and the complexities of sibling relationships. It touches on themes of inheritance and personal struggles against a backdrop of current societal norms.
Where
South Dakota, Kansas City, Branson, Missouri
The movie takes place in several locations, including an Indian reservation in South Dakota and the bustling city of Kansas City, known for its jazz heritage and vibrant culture. Branson, Missouri, famous for its entertainment shows and family-friendly attractions, serves as a backdrop for the brothers' road trip, particularly with its beautiful lakes and nostalgic charm.
- 🏞️ Nature
- 🏙️ City
- 🌊 Lake
What Are the Themes of Awful Nice?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Sibling Rivalry, Redemption and Adventure.
-
01
Sibling Rivalry
The relationship between Dave and Jim exemplifies the difficulties of sibling rivalry, especially when reunited under stressful circumstances. Their contrasting lifestyles create tension and comedic moments as they navigate their inheritance together. This theme highlights the importance of family, despite conflicts.
-
02
Redemption
Throughout their adventures, both brothers embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, particularly as they confront their past and their father's legacy. The cabin symbolizes their potential for personal growth, even amidst the challenges they face. The theme reflects the idea that change is possible, even for individuals stuck in their ways.
-
03
Adventure
The road trip aspect of the film creates a light-hearted adventure as the brothers encounter quirky characters and unexpected situations. Their various escapades in Branson's tourist attractions add humor and excitement, showcasing the unpredictability of life when stepping out of one's comfort zone.
What Kind of Film Is Awful Nice?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A lighthearted and goofy comedy about two brothers reconnecting over a dilapidated inheritance, filled with slapstick misadventures, nostalgic moments, and an overall feel-good journey of reconciliation.
- comedic
- nostalgic
- bittersweet
- goofy
- brotherly
- road trip
- estranged siblings
- inheritance
- brother brother relationship
- coming of age
Content notes: death of a parent.
Quiz
How well do you remember Awful Nice? Test yourself on the story.
