Jason Statham has defended director pal Guy Ritchie, insisting any criticism of his films is based on jealousy. The 35-year-old - who has worked with Ritchie on Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Revolver and Snatch - believes Madonna's husband is subjected to criticism because he is so talented.

He says, "Guy's a good-looking, talented man with a great family. He's very successful and people are jealous - maybe more so than they like to admit, and that puts a bad taste in people's mouth's."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)