Latest news with #MPAA
San Francisco Chronicle
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Ryan Reynolds is pushing for an R-rated ‘Star Wars' project
Ryan Reynolds has a bold new vision for ' Star Wars ' that he believes can elevate the franchise: Going R-rated. 'I don't mean R-rated to be vulgar. R-rated as a Trojan horse for emotion,' The ' Deadpool & Wolverine ' actor explained during a recent appearance on ' The Box Office ' podcast. 'I always wonder why studios don't want to just gamble on something like that.' Reynolds revealed his aspirations for the sci-fi franchise, noting he already pitched the idea to Disney. 'I said, 'Why don't we do an R-rated 'Star Wars' property? It doesn't have to be overt, A-plus characters. There's a wide range of characters you could use,'' he shared on an episode of the podcast released Friday, May 23. He added that he wouldn't want to act in the hypothetical film or television project, as 'that would be a bad fit.' Instead, he'd want a behind-the-scenes role like producing or writing. 'Those kinds of IP subsist really well on scarcity and surprise,' he said. 'We don't get scarcity really with 'Star Wars' because of Disney+, but you can certainly still surprise people.' Disney+ currently has 14 'Star Wars' series, both animated and live-action, available for fans to stream, in addition to all 12 films. One of the franchise's newer projects, ' Andor,' just wrapped up its second and final season and has been praised for the way in which it handles mature themes such as the ethics of rebellion and corruption. The series is rated TV-14. The highest MPAA rating for a 'Star Wars' film has been PG-13, applied to all its movies since 2005's 'Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.' Prior to that, all of the franchise's films were PG. While Reynolds hasn't been involved in any 'Star Wars' universe projects in the past, he has been a comedic-relief staple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2016's 'Deadpool.' In the latest installment of the anti-hero franchise, he used Green Day 's 1997 hit 'Good Riddance.' A longtime fan, Reynolds spoke at Green Day's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony about the East Bay punk trio's lasting impact. Green Day recently made its festival headlining debut at BottleRock Napa Valley over the Memorial Day weekend. 'These guys, they live at the intersection of both nostalgia and evolution,' he said. 'I don't think a band like this stays together this way and is this prolific for this long without integrity. I think it's like the bedrock of what they are.'
Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Money Purchase Annual Allowance: What is the MPAA and what does it mean for your pension?
If you want to dip into your pension before you've stopped saving or really retired, it's important that you are aware of the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) and the impact it will have on your future contributions. Here, Telegraph Money explains what the MPAA is and how it could restrict your ability to grow your pension as retirement approaches. What is the money purchase annual allowance? How does the money purchase annual allowance work? What triggers the money purchase annual allowance? Pension allowance vs MPAA Why it's important to think about the MPAA Managing your pension after triggering the MPAA FAQs What is the money purchase annual allowance? Each year, it's possible to pay 100pc of your earnings, up to £60,000 a year, into your pension and get tax relief on your contributions. However, once you have made a taxable withdrawal from your pension, this allowance is slashed to just £10,000 a year. Clare Moffat, pensions and tax expert at Royal London, explains: 'Since the introduction of 'Pension Freedoms' a decade ago, pension savers have been able to take as much or as little as they want out of their pensions from age 55, instead of buying an annuity. 'To prevent people from repeatedly taking money out, benefiting from tax-free cash, and putting money back in again with the benefit of tax relief, HMRC introduced a limit on the amount people could invest back in to pensions once they had started drawing taxable cash. This is called the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).' How does the money purchase annual allowance work? The MPAA limits the amount that you can pay into your pension and still get tax relief on your contributions, once you have made a taxable withdrawal from a defined contribution pension (also known as money purchase schemes). Charlene Young, senior pensions and savings expert at AJ Bell, says: 'The MPAA is now set at £10,000 per tax year and once triggered it applies to all money paid into money purchase pensions – which include Sipps and personal pensions, but not defined benefit schemes. 'The reduced allowance covers your total pension savings in these pensions for a year – that's your personal contributions, including tax relief, plus those by your employer or anyone else.' She adds: 'Anything above £10,000 is taxed at your marginal rate – meaning it is added to your other income for the year to work how much tax you'll pay. If you trigger the MPAA part way through a tax year, anything paid in before this date is not caught. But once triggered, you'll be unable to carry forward unused allowance from previous years to increase the £10,000 allowance for your money purchase pensions.' Non-earners, those with incomes below the personal allowance, are limited to contributing £2,880 a year – which will be boosted to £3,600 once basic rate tax relief has been applied. Your pension provider will tell you if you are making a withdrawal that triggers the MPAA and, if you proceed, you will get written confirmation within 31 days. Once triggered, the MPAA is permanent – you cannot revert to the standard pension allowance in future tax years. What triggers the money purchase annual allowance? Andrew King, of wealth manager Evelyn Partners, says the MPAA will kick in when you access your pension 'flexibly'. This includes the following scenarios: Taking an uncrystallised fund pension lump sum or a standalone lump sum (not tax-free cash) Taking an income payment from most drawdown plans set up after April 5, 2015 Receiving an income from a flexible annuity (a fixed-term annuity that pays out for a specific period like five or 10 years) Receiving an income payment from a small scheme pension with 12 members or fewer Taking an income payment from a drawdown payment that was converted to flexible drawdown after April 5, 2015 Having flexible drawdown before April 6, 2015 Exceeding the income limits from a capped drawdown plan set up before April 6, 2015 What won't trigger the MPAA? Mr King adds that the following circumstances wouldn't trigger the MPAA: Taking income from a defined benefit or final salary pension Taking a pension arrangement as a small lump sum due to it being worth less than £10,000 Taking income from capped drawdown set up before April 6, 2015, which remains within capped drawdown limits Taking tax-free cash only and no income Taking a pension as an annuity Pension allowance vs MPAA Pension allowance The maximum you can pay into a pension is usually 100pc of earnings up to £60,000 a year The pension allowance ceases to apply once a flexible withdrawal has been made 'Carry forward' rules allow you to used unused allowance from the previous three years MPAA The maximum you can pay into a pension is £10,000 a year It's usually triggered once you have made a taxable withdrawal from your pension You can no longer take advantage of carry forward rules once you have triggered the MPAA. Why it's important to think about the MPAA According to research from Royal London, around one-third of people between the ages of 55 and 64 have accessed their pensions flexibly and triggered the MPAA. But Moffat warns savers to think about the impact triggering the MPAA will have on your ability to keep paying into your pension. She says: 'The changing shape of retirement means workers are now less likely to have a hard stop to the world of work, preferring to transition gradually into retirement. This makes the MPAA an important consideration for nearly half of workers planning to gradually retire by reducing their working hours, making it likely that many will come up against the MPAA if they want to start paying more into pensions again.' However, she says that there are ways to avoid triggering the MPAA and protect your full pension allowance. 'If you are still working but you want to go on holiday or make a bigger purchase, like a new kitchen or car, then taking a small pot which is less than £10,000 – or only taking tax free cash and moving the rest into drawdown – means that you won't trigger the MPAA. 'For many people, their 50s are the point that they are earning the most and able to pay more into pensions, so triggering the MPAA could limit pension contributions and that could mean that you might not have the retirement that you planned.' Managing your pension after triggering the MPAA Mr King says that once you have triggered the MPAA, you will need to take care to ensure that you do not contribute more than £10,000 a year into your pension. 'This could be problematic if you have retired early, taken your pension and then triggered the MPAA, and then you return to work in a high paying job, which comes with a salary and pension contributions which exceed £10,000 per annum. In this instance, you would have to tell your new employer to cap total contributions at £10,000 or face the tax charge.' Your pension provider will tell you when you make a withdrawal that triggers the MPAA. However, it will be your responsibility to inform other pension providers you have pots with and any new providers. FAQs What happens if you exceed the MPAA? If you exceed the MPAA you will not get the benefit of tax relief on that money – instead it would be added to your income for the year and taxed at your highest rate. You will normally need to complete a tax return to declare and pay the charge. How do I find out if went above the MPAA? If you aren't sure how much has been paid into your defined contribution pensions during the tax year, you can contact each of your providers. If the total – including employer contributions and tax relief – exceed the MPAA, you will need to pay a tax charge. There is also a calculator on the government website that can help you work out if you have a tax charge. If you are taking money out of a small pension – worth £10,000 – or less, you won't trigger the MPAA. This means that if you want to take money out of a pension, while you are still contributing, it's worth turning to any small pots you might have first.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The £1 pension trick that could save you thousands on your tax bill
Some savers have been hit CASHING IN The £1 pension trick that could save you thousands on your tax bill Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CLEVER £1 pension trick could stop you from losing thousands in emergency tax when withdrawing from your pension. Across the UK, many over-55s are at risk of overpaying tax when they take out lump sums from their pensions. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Some providers allow £1 withdrawals online, but others may require a paper form Credit: Getty In just the first three months of 2025, pensioners reclaimed a staggering £44 million in overpaid tax, according to HMRC. That's an average of nearly £3,000 per person. This happens because when people take out money from their pension for the first time, HMRC doesn't always have an accurate tax code for them. So instead, it applies an emergency tax, assuming the amount withdrawn will be repeated every month for the rest of the year. The result? You can end up paying much more tax than you actually owe. For example, someone taking out £20,000 might be taxed over £7,000, when they should really only pay around £1,500. The extra money can be claimed back, but it often takes months and requires filling in complicated forms. That's where the £1 pension trick comes in. By withdrawing a small amount first, as little as £1 in some cases – HMRC is prompted to issue an up-to-date tax code. Once that code is in place, any further withdrawals are taxed correctly from the start. Pensions expert Clare Moffat, from Royal London, told the Express that the exact amount needed varies depending on the pension provider. 'It could be £1, £50 or £100 – but the idea is to make a small withdrawal first to get a tax code sorted before taking a large sum,' she said. Some providers allow £1 withdrawals online, but others may require a paper form. It's worth checking in advance to avoid delays or confusion. David Gibb, a chartered financial planner, warned that this emergency tax is down to a glitch in the PAYE system. 'It's a hangover from how regular wages are taxed. "But for one-off pension withdrawals, it doesn't make sense – and savers lose out.' The trick isn't perfect. In some cases, even with a tax code, emergency tax may still be applied. But it can significantly reduce how much you overpay and the stress of claiming it back later. If you're planning to take out a lump sum for a big purchase, like a new kitchen, home repairs or a holiday, knowing this trick could keep more cash in your pocket. However, experts also warn to think carefully before dipping into your pension early. Withdrawing taxable income could reduce your pension pot and even trigger the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA), limiting how much you can pay back in later, from £60,000 a year to just £10,000. This could be a big deal for people in their 50s and early 60s who are still working and putting money into their pensions. It's also important to remember that once you take money from your pension, it may affect other benefits or entitlements, so it's worth getting advice.
Epoch Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Epoch Watchlist: Recommended Viewing for May 9–15
This week, we feature a classic Japanese film about a famous swordsman and a wholesome family film about a boy and his redbone hounds. New Release 'Desert Dawn' Newly sworn-in Sheriff Luke Easton (Kellan Lutz) and his deputy John Sites (Cam Gigandet) are thrust into a dangerous investigation into a woman's murder. They uncover ties to local power players and a sinister cartel. This crime drama makes plenty of twists as the lawmen pursue justice. The action lands without going overboard, and the movie's stance against corruption emphasizes a positive message. The lead actors bring grit to a story that leans on atmosphere as much as tension. A solid watch for fans of thrillers with a purpose. Action | Crime | Thriller Release Date: May 16, 2025 Director: Marty Murray Starring: Cam Gigandet, Kellan Lutz, Chad Michael Collins Running Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes MPAA Rating: R Where to Watch: Theaters Rated : 3 stars out of 5 Family Pick 'Where the Red Fern Grows' In Depression-era Oklahoma, young Billy Coleman (Stewart Petersen) dreams big—earning two redbone hounds through sheer grit. With help from his wise grandfather (James Whitmore), Billy and his dogs brave ghost coon hunts, deadly river crossings, and even a mountain lion. A beautiful reminder of a time when hard work, family, and simple dreams meant everything. It felt incredibly moving to watch a young boy pour his heart into earning his pups, and then stand by them through every adventure and hardship. A truly special film. Drama | Family Release Date: June 21, 1974 Director: Norman Tokar Starring: James Whitmore, Beverly Garland, Jack Ging Running Time: 1 hour, 37 minutes MPAA Rating: G Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5 Second Chances and New Steps 'Finding Your Feet' Imelda Staunton shines as Sandra, a refined woman whose world collapses when she discovers her husband's betrayal. Fleeing to her lively sister Bif's (Celia Imrie) cramped London flat, Sandra stumbles through heartbreak, unlikely friendships, and second chances. This film expertly captures both heartbreak and hope with a magical, fairy-tale spirit. The British cast is brilliant, making it easy to laugh, tear up, and cheer right along with them. A charming reminder that it's never too late to start over. Related Stories 5/1/2025 4/24/2025 Comedy | Drama | Romance Release Date: March 30, 2018 Director: Richard Loncraine Starring: Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie, Timothy Spall Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5 A Warrior's Journey Begins 'Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto' Miyamoto Musashi, here known as Takezo (Toshiro Mifune), and Matahachi (Rentaro Mikuni) start as army hopefuls but are labeled traitors after they are defeated. As fugitives, Matahachi and Takezo eventually part company. Takezo undergoes many adventures before being trained by a Buddhist priest for something greater. An engaging film that blends intense swordplay with deeper themes of struggle and redemption. The first of a trilogy, it charts Miyamoto Musashi's humble beginnings. Action | Biography | Romance Release Date: Nov. 18, 1955 Director: Hiroshi Inagaki Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Mariko Okada, Rentaro Mikuni Running Time: 1 hour, 33 minutes Not Rated Where to Watch: Amazon, Max, Apple TV Rated: 4 stars out of 5 What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Geek Tyrant
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
THE TOXIC AVENGER Is Officially Unrated for "Mutant Nudity, Hilarious Harm, P*ss Play" and It's Everything You'd Hope For — GeekTyrant
The Toxic Avenger is officially being released as an Unrated film. If you were wondering what kind of beautiful chaos director Macon Blair was cooking up with his take on the Troma classic, well, we just got our answer. After debuting a wild trailer in October 2023 and then ghosting the release radar, fans were left in limbo. A report later claimed the film had been deemed 'unreleasable' and 'not safe enough to market,' which only cranked up the curiosity. Now we know why: the film is jam-packed with what Blair calls 'fun, rowdy' insanity, and it's charging into theaters without an MPAA rating to hold it back. Why unrated? Try a mix of 'ultra violence, toxic content, mutant nudity, splatter, monstercore,' and yes, even 'p*ss play.' This is exactly what you'd want from a Toxic Avenger movie. You can also expect 'Splatter Laughter', 'Punk Rock Bandits', 'Mops'. 'Toxic Sludge Exposure', 'Hilarious Harm', and Gnarly Theater Fun.' In a statement, Blair said: 'I'm beyond grateful to the team behind The Toxic Avenger who were so supportive and steady-handed as we searched for the perfect distribution partner for our film. 'It's so cool that folks will have the chance to see this in theaters, it's a fun rowdy movie you wanna see with a crowd. Mutant hero smashes bad guys with a mop: perfect entertainment for the whole family! 'Our goal was always to preserve the heart and spirit of the original Toxie (which was seared into my brain at a very young age) and try to make something that Troma fans would dig and at the same time do something with the character that feels fresh. 'Lloyd and Michael at Troma have been a blast to work with, absolutely everyone at Legendary are stars, and I can't wait to start working with the champs at Cinverse to bring this version of Toxie to fans new and old.' Cineverse, who's backing the release alongside Bloody Disgusting, sees something more beneath the wicked insanity. Cineverse chairman and CEO Chris McGurk added: ' The Toxic Avenger isn't just a great film; it's an important one. Peter Dinklage's transformative performance and Macon Blair's fearless direction deliver a story that speaks to the anxieties of our time with outrageous humor and unflinching creativity. 'This is the kind of movie that major studios are averse to release because it dares to push boundaries, but Cineverse is rooted in championing bold, uncompromising storytelling. We believe audiences are ready – and eager – for films like this to take center stage.' The movie follows Winston Gooze, a weary janitor who gets the worst possible work-related injury—falling into toxic waste. That classic origin story is intact, but this version puts a new spotlight on corporate greed, environmental rot, and personal redemption, all with the same gleeful grotesquery you'd expect from a Toxie movie. The original 1984 Toxic Avenger , a DIY gore-filled masterpiece from Troma Entertainment, spawned sequels, comics, and even a kid-friendly animated series with The Toxic Crusaders . Blair's film seems keen on honoring that unhinged spirit while injecting it with some modern madness. The cast also includes Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Julia Davis, Jonny Coyne, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon. Whether you're a die-hard Troma fan or just curious about a film that features both Dinklage and 'mutant nudity,' this is one to keep an eye on. No release date has been locked just yet, but when it hits theaters, expect mops, muck, and mayhem, and probably a few audience members questioning their life choices.
