Movie Jail: This week's defendant is...Ridley Scott!

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

This is Movie Jail, a unique maximum security prison that houses some of the worst writers, directors, actors and producers from Hollywood and beyond. Their crimes? The offenses vary from convict to convict but most of these inmates have contributed negatively to the film world to some capacity* and his or her misdeeds have covered a long enough period of time that the authorities had to intervene. In each column a defendant is put on trial, arguments are made, and then it is up to YOU, the jury, to decide if the person is guilty or not guilty of crimes against cinema. Their lives are in your hands, dude.

The Defendant

The Case

The Prosecution: Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Counselor, Prometheus, Robin Hood, Body of Lies, A Good Year, Hannibal, 1492: Conquest of Paradise

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the prosecution is sure most of you aren't happy to see director Ridley Scott up for Movie Jail (and some will just jump to the comments section to yell at the prosecution without even reading our case against the director) but hear us out. The prosecution isn't looking for a life sentence for Mr. Scott, however we do believe he needs to spend at least a weekend in prison.

It hasn't been a great couple of years for Mr. Scott. Just like last year's The Counselor, his Exodus: Gods of Kings has received terrible reviews from critics, and while most critics did enjoy his Prometheus, many also said it was very disappointing. In fact, disappointing is a great way to describe Mr. Scott's films as of late. Nearly all of his older films are fantastic, however his most recent ones should have been better since Mr. Scott is obviously capable of directing an amazing movie.

The issue the prosecution has with Mr. Scott is his recent movies are gorgeous to look at, but are very weak in other areas. Like Prometheus, Robin Hood and Body of Lies aren't awful films, however we expect more from them since Mr. Scott was involved. Again, while the prosecution doesn't want to lock Mr. Scott up and throw away the key, we do think spending a few days behind bars will help the director.

The Defense: Prometheus, American Gangster, Kingdom of Heaven, Matchstick Men, Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, G.I. Jane, White Squall, Thelma & Louise, Black Rain, Someone to Watch Over Me, Legend, Blade Runner, Alien, The Duellists

Ladies and gentlemen, it's a little sad the prosecution still hasn't realized the jury isn't going to put away a legendary director like my client, regardless of the length of the sentence. The prosecution believes Mr. Scott's recent films haven't been up to snuff, however we don't think they've been so bad we need to send the director to Movie Jail.

Take for example Robin Hood and Body of Lies. They only received mixed reviews from critics, yet most people enjoyed both films. Are they as incredible or memorable as say Alien or Blade Runner? No, but they're still solid movies. They can't all be classics, right? The good definitely outweighs the bad when it comes to Mr. Scott's films, even if his past few have been kind of underwhelming.

But even with his mediocre films as of late, the defense doesn't think Mr. Scott belongs in prison, and we doubt the jury will want to put the director in an orange jumpsuit. Hell, he could f*ck up The Martian adaptation big time, and in the defense's opinion, that still wouldn't be enough to warrant sending him to the big house.

IN CLOSING…

Do you think the prosecution has a case against the Exodus: God and Kings director, or do you believe it's laughable he's even being considered for Movie Jail? Are you confident Mr. Scott can turn things around, or do you think he needs to spend sometime in prison? Is director Ridley Scott GUILTY or NOT GUILTY?

*The cases for and against a defendant going to Movie Jail by the author are not necessarily his views and opinions but they are some of the beliefs that one would use to effectively make an argument for both sides. Not quite a devil's advocate but you get the point. Anyway, this is all in fun so don't take it too seriously. We have a separate jail for those people called "Troll Tower" and believe me you do NOT want to go there.

WHAT SAY YOU, GUILTY OR NOT?

LAST WEEK'S VERDICT

Jai Courtney's youthfulness saved the actor from being sent to Movie Jail in last week's trial. Courtney was found NOT GUILTY of all charges, however it was a close vote, with many jury members saying he's a very bland actor who deserves to be locked up. But most said we shouldn't toss Courtney in prison since he is still quite young, and was pretty damn good on Spartacus, so he'll remain a free man, for now, anyway.

PREVIOUS VERDICTS

GUILTY Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, Vince Vaughn, Tim Burton, The Farrelly Brothers, Michael Bay, Jessica Alba, Ice Cube, Gerard Butler, Halle Berry, Marlon Wayans, Julia Roberts, M. Night Shyamalan , Katherine Heigl , Cuba Gooding, Jr., Tyler Perry, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Ashton Kutcher, Happy Madison Productions, Jennifer Lopez, Bruce Willis, Paul W.S. Anderson, Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Brett Ratner, Rob Cohen, Renee Zellweger, Shia LaBeouf, Renny Harlin, Diane Keaton, McG, Demi Moore, King Joffrey (Game of Thrones Special), David Spade, Spike Lee, Kevin James, Joel Schumacher, Ehren Kruger, Chris Rock, Mark Steven Johnson, Mickey Rourke, Ashley Judd, Uma Thurman, Josh Duhamel, Saw Franchise (Halloween Edition), Zach Braff, Sam Worthington