Awful Nice 2014

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.