Awful Nice (2014) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Jim finds Dave living in a wigwam on an Indian reservation in South Dakota because their father, known as 'The Colonel,' has passed away. As the responsible brother, Jim feels obligated to locate his estranged younger brother so they can attend the funeral together and deal with their inheritance.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes establish Jim as the practical, duty-bound brother who maintains stable relationships, making his search for Dave feel consistent with his character.

• Jim
• Dave
• brothers
• father death
• South Dakota
• estranged

After attending their father's funeral in Kansas City, Jim and Dave learn they have inherited a rundown cabin located near Branson, Missouri. The property requires their attention, prompting the brothers to make a road trip to assess whether to renovate, demolish, or sell the land.

• inheritance
• cabin
• Branson
• Missouri
• brothers
• The Colonel

While exploring the dilapidated cabin, the brothers discover a treasure trove of memorabilia, including an extensive sports card collection. Dave is particularly captivated by an Alonzo Mourning rookie card, suggesting he has a genuine passion for sports memorabilia despite his otherwise unstable lifestyle.

• Dave
• sports cards
• Alonzo Mourning
• memorabilia
• collection

Jon Charbineau is the eccentric business partner of the brothers' late father, known as 'The Colonel.' He appears with a distinctive look reminiscent of 1970s television action heroes. The brothers meet him to discuss their inheritance and receive cash and discount coupons for Branson attractions, which they use to explore the local tourist culture.

• Jon Charbineau
• business partner
• The Colonel
• Branson
• eccentric

After moving from the rundown cabin to a motel, Dave's carefree nature leads him to attempt sneaking into an upscale hotel buffet while wearing only a bathrobe. This comedic stunt attracts the attention of law enforcement, resulting in an encounter with Sheriff Wegman and Deputy Bruce, who humorously employ a 'good cop, bad cop' routine.

• Dave
• hotel buffet
• bathrobe
• Sheriff Wegman
• Deputy Bruce
• comedic

During their time in Branson, Jim reconnects with Lauren, a woman from his past. She is described as having a past connection to Jim, and their reunion evokes feelings of nostalgia, prompting Jim to reflect on his own life choices and what he wants from the future.

• Jim
• Lauren
• past relationship
• reunion
• nostalgia

The brothers encounter Petra, an alluring waitress at a local diner in Branson. Her friendliness is noted, but the summary indicates there may be more to her story, as the brothers question her true profession, suggesting she may be hiding something or working in an unexpected field.

• Petra
• waitress
• mystery
• Branson
• diner
• secret

Despite initially debating whether to demolish the cabin and split the profits from the land, the brothers ultimately choose to stay and renovate the property. This decision represents a turning point in their relationship as they learn to cooperate and work through their differences, reflecting the film's theme of reconciliation.

Foreshadowing: The brothers' initial disagreements about the cabin highlight their contrasting attitudes toward responsibility, setting up the resolution where they choose to work together.

• cabin renovation
• brothers
• cooperation
• reconciliation
• Branson

Frustrated with the cabin's poor condition, the brothers check into a motel but become victims of a well-executed prank by the motel owner. Their humorous misadventures at the motel add to the film's comedic tone and showcase the various challenges they face during their journey.

• motel
• prank
• Branson
• comedic
• misadventures

Throughout their road trip to Branson and their attempts to handle the cabin, the brothers are forced to confront their past and navigate their contrasting personalities, Jim being the responsible one with a stable family life, and Dave the carefree spirit. By working together on the cabin and sharing experiences, they gradually repair their relationship, culminating in a happy ending where they succeed in restoring both the house and their bond.

Foreshadowing: The tension between the brothers at the funeral and during early parts of the journey establishes the emotional arc that their cooperation later resolves.

• Jim
• Dave
• reconciliation
• brothers
• relationship
• cooperation
• ending