MANILA, Philippines?Intertwined familial and criminal themes are explored in the HBO original movie ?PU-239,? a gloomy drama-thriller about a Russian nuclear plant worker, Timofey (Paddy Considine), who gets exposed to radiation while averting a workplace catastrophe. Instead of getting compensated, he?s blamed for the incident and is subsequently fired. Timofey sneaks back into the plant and steals plutonium, PU-239, which he tries to sell to underworld bosses through a bumbling goon, Shiv (Oscar Isaac).
Written and directed by Scott Burns and co-executive produced by George Clooney and filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, ?PU-239? paints a dark and desperate atmosphere that?s sometimes illuminated by its focus on family bonds. Timofey and Shiv are radically different persons, but both are fathers who provide for their sons. Both men eventually resort to selling the plutonium without thinking of the possible disastrous consequences.
Considine proves himself a talented and convincing actor yet again; his character?s believable, mishap-filled journey is rife with nuances. Timofey?s transformation and tragic deterioration easily and consistently create the right emotional connections. Isaac is able to keep up with him, his contrasting small-minded character?s personality a crucial component to the equation. Radha Mitchell appears in a few scenes and shines as Timofey?s wife Marina, who experiences her own metamorphosis in the background.
The movie?s straightforward narrative offers a sullen tone that gets disrupted by timely injections of optimism. There are despicable characters and brief depictions of violent acts that stun and disturb. There are comeuppances as well, but not every deserving person gets his just desserts. Its bleakness may make ?PU-239? a little difficult to watch, but its dramatic relationship-centric moments and occasional dark humor help balance things out.
HBO?s ?PU-239? premieres on July 27 at 11 p.m.
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Hot Brazilian models
Brazilians in Pinoy show biz and the local modeling scene are featured today in QTV 11?s ?The Sweet Life.?
Akihiro Sato, Daniel Matsunaga and two other female Brazilians sensations reveal their personalities and culture through a showcase of their cuisine, dance and fashion.
Tomorrow, Dr. Vicki Belo talks about her life, family and love for fashion. She is joined by her kids Quark and Cristalle who talk about her as a mom.
Stars Aiza Seguerra, Sam Bumatay, Isabel Granada and Francesca ?Cruzita? Salcedo also go head-to-head in fun activities.
The show, hosted by Lucy Torres, Wilma Doesnt and Grace Lee airs Mondays to Fridays at 5 p.m.
Joking to win
Twelve stand-up comedians live together and outdo each other with their comedy skills in the reality show ?Last Comic Standing.?
One by one the comics get eliminated until one is voted as the funniest of the crop.
The show?s Season 6 premiere airs on July 25 at 8 p.m. on Jack TV.
