Christian Bale's favorite movie is Beverly Hills Ninja, a critically reviled 1997 comedy starring the late, great Chris Farley. Bale not only managed to make the difficult transition from child star to adult actor, but he went on to become one of the biggest movie stars of his era. Bale first broke through as a young actor with movies such as Steven Spielberg's Empire Of The Sun, but it was 2000's American Psycho that really served as his calling (or business) call.
His portrayal of amoral investment banker Patrick Bateman - who may or may not be a prolific serial killer - was both unnerving and hilarious. After some false starts with follow-ups movies like Reign Of Fire, he was cast in the titular role in Batman Begins. His commitment to his roles - including Bale's incredible physical transformations like The Machinist - and preference for darker projects have marked him as one of the greatest dramatic actors of his generation.
Of course, this reputation for intensity onscreen also means he's rarely appeared in comic roles in his later career. While he gave more comic turns in the likes of The Big Short or Vice, much of his filmography is made up of drama or thrillers. That makes his ission that Beverly Hills Ninja is his favorite movie all the more surprising - and delightful.
Beverly Hills Ninja Makes Bale "Cry With Laughter"
Whenever Bale is asked in interviews or junkets about his favorite movie, Beverly Hills Ninja has become his stock answer. Speaking to Farley's - who was originally cast as Shrek - Haru, an orphan raised by a clan of ninjas who gets involved in a mystery in Beverly Hills.
In contrast to the other of his clan or brother Gobei (Mortal Kombat's Robin Shou), Haru is physically clumsy and a total oaf. That said, the character has a good heart, and Farley gives him immense charm. Dana Carvey was attached to an earlier version of the project, and sadly, the movie proved to be the last film released in Farley's lifetime. The former Saturday Night Live star died nearly a year after its release and was reportedly so disappointed with the film itself he cried after watching an early cut.
Beverly Hills Ninja is a purposefully silly comedy that is filled with dumb gags and stereotypes, but it's attracted a cult following nonetheless. Farley is a major reason for this, with the film also giving Spiral star Chris Rock a key ing role. Taken as a comedy in the same vein as The Naked Gun trilogy, it's a fun time. Christian Bale is also aware of the comedy value of labeling Beverly Hills Ninja his favorite movie, but despite having only watched it twice, it clearly struck a chord.
