1. Monsters Inc.
Monsters Inc. ends on the surprising twist that the laughter of children generates far more energy than their screams ever did, solving Monstropolis energy problem forever, as well as causing several role reversals at Monsters Inc as the monsters harvest this new-found energy source. Mike now goes into childrens bedrooms to make them laugh (sounded less creepy in my head) and Sully is now in a support role. All seems well, and we cut to black. But everything isnt exactly right, for two reasons. First of all, its been established now that Monstropolis will have more energy now than it ever needs. So naturally, as the laws of supply and demand dictate, as supply goes up demand goes down, meaning the city needs less monsters to harvest laughter. This means a lot of monsters, many of which have been scarers all their life, are now being let go. So really, what the films revelation has set up for us is that within a couple of weeks a huge wave of unemployment will hit Monstropolis, with all the problems that come with that. Its not like they can go back to school to learn a new skill as the sequel sets up, the whole curriculum is set up toward the now-defunct art of scaring. This surely means that Monstropolis will become a much worse place to live for many monsters, whose livelihoods and self-esteem have been decimated by of all things laughter. The second reason touches on that self-esteem, and concerns the monsters lucky enough to keep their jobs. The film has already established that there has been massive job restructuring at Monsters Inc, with the scarers taking a back seat to their funnier brethren. Think of the psychological damage this would cause throughout the film, weve been told that the scarers are lauded for their bravery and are considered the crème de la crème of monster society. Yet one revelation later and theyre at the bottom of the heap, helping out those who used to be their lackeys. I dont care who you are, thats got to cause some damage to the psyche, even if you take the news as well as Sully does. Agree or disagree? Can you think of any more? Feel free to comment!