Renowned for his intense dramatic performances, Christian Bale reveals his favorite comedy is Beverly Hills Ninja, an unexpected choice given his serious on-screen persona. The acclaimed actor, who has played characters such as Patrick Bateman, Bruce Wayne, and Dick Cheney, shared this surprising preference during an interview, highlighting his appreciation for Chris Farley’s unique style of humor.
Bale Names Chris Farley’s ‘Beverly Hills Ninja’ His Top Comedy
Bale, known for immersing himself in a range of challenging roles and winning major awards like the Oscar and Golden Globe for The Fighter, has always been celebrated as a versatile actor. Yet, in a 2010 conversation with Esquire, Bale dispelled any perception of being an elitist about film tastes by singling out Beverly Hills Ninja as his comedic favorite, even over the works of Charlie Chaplin, Mel Brooks, and the Coen brothers.
When asked about movies he enjoyed, Bale admitted he’d missed several classics such as The Philadelphia Story and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. However, when it came to comedy, he reminded the interviewer of the talent of Chris Farley by stating,
“Chris Farley was just phenomenal. Beverly Hills Ninja will always remain one of my tops.”
-Christian Bale, Actor
The interviewer initially suspected Bale might be joking, but he doubled down, revealing,
“I have watched that movie. One time, I sat down and watched it two nights in a row, and cried with laughter both times. The guy just was a phenomenon, and is missed dearly in my household.”
-Christian Bale, Actor
Bale’s openness comes as a surprise, not only because of his legacy as a dramatic performer, but also given his British heritage, where an appreciation for cinematic classics is often expected. Nonetheless, his admiration for Chris Farley’s comedic energy shines through. Farley, remembered as a defining figure in 1990s comedy due to his work on Saturday Night Live and his feature films, continues to be celebrated decades after his passing. Although many fans might expect Bale to favor a more critically acclaimed Farley film like Tommy Boy, he instead chose Beverly Hills Ninja, a movie initially met with critical and commercial disappointment.
Critical Reception and Audience Response to Beverly Hills Ninja
Chris Farley, like various comedic actors, aspired to expand his repertoire beyond standard slapstick. Still, Beverly Hills Ninja was roundly panned by critics; the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score sits at a meager 16%. In her review, Rita Kempley from The Washington Post remarked,
“Farley, a real lightweight compared to such late, great predecessors John Belushi and John Candy, brings none of Belushi’s edgy intelligence, nor Candy’s gentle pathos to this comic caricature.”
-Rita Kempley, Film Critic
Despite the negative critiques, audiences were a bit kinder, propelling the film to a modest $31 million at the global box office—a lackluster figure for a high-profile comic project. Farley’s attempt to go beyond his typical comedic performances was apparent, but for many, the film failed to resonate compared to his previous work.
Reappraising the Value of Farley’s Physical Comedy
Despite its rocky start, Beverly Hills Ninja stands as a testament to Farley’s signature brand of slapstick and physical humor. The film’s story, which features Farley as Haru, an orphaned infant raised by ninjas in Japan who struggles to fit in with his adoptive clan, is openly farcical. This “fish-out-of-water” setup recalls other comedic hits, such as Elf, though Beverly Hills Ninja’s charm is grounded in Farley’s boundless energy and his knack for pratfalls.
Farley’s comedic style in the movie is unabashedly over-the-top, making his failures as a ninja hilariously entertaining and almost artful in their execution. Although the premise is deliberately silly, the sight gags and physical routines allow him to showcase his comedic prowess in ways that go beyond verbal wit or shock humor.
Supporting Cast and Farley’s Versatility on Screen
The film features an ensemble cast that supports Farley in his leading role. Nicollette Sheridan appears as the damsel in distress, Chris Rock brings his comedic flair as a hotel worker who becomes Haru’s sidekick, and Robin Shou adds further energy as a fellow ninja. Even without his frequent collaborator David Spade, Farley carries the film, embodying an action hero committed to saving Sheridan’s character while keeping audiences entertained through his slapstick routines. Nathaniel Parker also appears as part of the main cast, rounding out the team that drove the film’s comedic action.
What’s particularly notable is the relatively clean nature of the film’s comedy. Beverly Hills Ninja avoids relying on profanity or excessive violence for cheap laughs, opting instead for more innocent, family-friendly humor. In a landscape where edgy content often dominates, Farley’s performance stands out for its sincerity and the timeless appeal of physical comedy.
Farley’s Legacy and the Enduring Appeal of Beverly Hills Ninja
Watching Beverly Hills Ninja today brings a bittersweet mix of amusement and nostalgia. The film became Farley’s final major feature to premiere before his untimely death in December 1997. While it may not be regarded as his best movie, its energetic spirit resonates with those who recognize Farley’s importance as a performer who broke the mold, even as critics compared him to luminaries like John Belushi and John Candy.
Farley was positioned as the next great comedic icon, yet he remained uniquely himself—a comedian who gave his all to every performance. At the time of his passing, he was even working on voicing the lead character in Shrek, suggesting his best work could have still been ahead of him.
For Christian Bale, the charm of Beverly Hills Ninja lies in its imperfect nature and the sheer delight Farley brought to audiences. The film, much like Farley, is remembered for its infectious energy and lasting laughs. It is remarkable to see such a dedicated and serious actor as Bale celebrate the raw, physical comedy of Chris Farley, underscoring the point that great humor—however unrefined—can leave a lasting impression, even on Hollywood’s elite.
As Beverly Hills Ninja enjoys renewed attention through streaming platforms like Hulu, its standing as a cult favorite continues to grow, fueled in part by the enthusiasm of unexpected fans like Christian Bale. Whether for longtime admirers of Farley or newcomers discovering his work for the first time, the film stands out as a fitting tribute to a performer who embodied comedic commitment and heartfelt exuberance on screen.
