Film Review: Despite One Premise, Laughs Are Plenty in ‘The Little Hours’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 14, 2017 - 11:07am

CHICAGO – It occurred to me in assessing “The Little Hours” that the basic premise is somewhat like “The Beguiled” – a man is taken in, rooster-like, into a henhouse where there are women with “needs.” Except this time, instead of a girl’s boarding school, it is a 14th Century nunnery. Get thee to it, if thou wants to laugheth.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

There is basically one premise… the nuns are horny and Dave Franco is willing, or two, if you count that all the participants in the film speak in modern day language, including the frequent throwing of f-bombs. The casting is the key, with the great Aubrey Plaza again stealing many scenes, and the aforementioned Dave Franco’s innocent interaction with his fate, as he gets some action. Throw in Allison Brie, John C. Reilly, Nick Offerman and Fred Armisen (as a Catholic bishop), and this broadside satire of medieval and religiosity does have its moments. And get this, the odious “Catholic League” has condemned the film, which is the best endorsement you’ll receive all weekend.

Dave Franco is Massetto, a servant who lives in the house of Lord Bruno (Nick Offerman, droll as usual). Massetto is messing with the good Lord’s wife, and soon has to escape or face punishment. In his exile, he stumbles upon Father Tomasso (John C. Reilly), who is cleric at the local nunnery. The priest agrees to take the servant in, only if he pretends to be deaf and mute.

As soon as the stud Massetto begins his duties, the nuns’ monastic state starts to unravel. It begins with Alessandra (Alison Brie), who seduces the new tenant almost immediately. It is followed by a bevy of willing suitors, led by Marta (Jemima Kirke), Francesca (Lauren Weedman) and Fernanda (Aubrey Plaza). The reverend Sister Marea (Molly Shannon) and Bishop Bartolomeo (Fred Armisen) can hardly contain the tide, once it (rocks and) rolls in.

“The Little Hours” continues its nationwide release in Chicago on July 14th, at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 North Southport, Chicago. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Kirsten Dunst, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza, John C. Reilly, Nick Offerman, Molly Shannon, Fred Armisen and Paul Reiser. Screenplay adapted and directed by Jeff Baena. Rated “R”