Mandatory Rewind: Celebrate 25 Years of ‘Beverly Hills Ninja’ With Classic Chris Farley Karate Moments in Late Actor’s Last Great Comedy

If there’s one way to describe the career of Chris Farley, it would be iconic, tragic, legendary, or some combination of all three. In many ways (including his unfortunate death in December 1997) Farley was the second coming of John Belushi. He was a master of physical comedy, the 1990’s equivalent of his hero. Farley’s rise to fame burned hot and bright, even until the very end. When looking back on his film career, people often remember his cameos from classic comedy staples such as Wanye’s World, Airheads, and Billy Madison, as well as his amazing work on SNL. Contrary to popular belief, Farley was considered a bit player until his great performance in Tommy Boy proved that he could be accepted by audiences as a leading man. 

All in all, Farley only headlined 4 films in his all-too-short career. Although the cinematic atrocity that is Almost Heroes was the last film that he completed during his life, Bob Saget’s Dirty Work was his last released film. While Farley was incredibly hilarious in his (uncredited) Dirty Work role, there is one performance of his that still manages to stand the test of time — that of the titular ninja in his 1997 film Beverly Hills Ninja. It’s been 25 years since the release of Beverly Hills Ninja, and yet the legend of Haru manages to live on (much like Farley himself). 

The film, which was directed by Denis Dugan in between Happy Gilmore and Big Daddy, was considered a modest financial success but an “unfunny” critical disappointment. However, after 25 years, the latter has proven to be untrue. For those who are unfamiliar, the film follows Farley’s “great white ninja” as he is raised by a clan of Ninjas but isn’t very good at it. As Haru attempts to prove his worth to the clan by attempting a dangerous mission in Beverly Hills, hilarity naturally ensues, which is anchored by a classic Farley performance. 

In many ways, Beverly Hills Ninja has no right to hold up as well as it does. As a clear parody of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, mixed with the ninja fad in the 90s, and headlined by Farley, who was then considered a rising star. While Farley was the ultimate draw here, the film is filled with cliches, borderline insensitive undertones, and cultural appropriation. In other words, it’s the type of broad comedy that would probably be canceled in today’s world. Despite this, the film manages to be a reminder of a specific point in time during the 90s.

And yet, a film like Beverly Hills Ninja only works because of Farley’s earnest performance. Part of the reason why Farley is so indelible in the film is that he plays the role totally straight (for the most part). Even though he is clearly playing a buffoon with below-average intelligence, his performance is surprisingly sweet and earnest. Despite all of the ridiculous things happening around him in the movie, there’s certain sincerity to his interpretation of the role. Haru is the type of character that has simple ambitions: trying to impress his adopted family, falling in love with a girl that is clearly out of his league, etc. 

These are all simple motivations, but the reason they click is the sincerity by which Farley plays the role. Sure, the movie falls into the trap of needing to have him do a physical gag in most of the film’s scenes. In truth, this is the type of film that was not destined for critical greatness. It’s easy to poke holes in the movie, especially those who were expecting anything but a traditional Farley screwball comedy. And yet, the seeming “train wreck waiting to happen” quality of the film feels totally in control. But that doesn’t detract from the genuine nature of his performance. There’s an everlasting sweetness that the late-great comedian taps into for Beverly Hills Ninja, and his last great comedy is all the better for it.

Cover Photo: Sony/Tri-Star