After having watching over 10 movies on the flights to and from Singapore to Toronto, I made a little observation regarding a new trend in movie making. I am referring to that little extra teaser or perhaps reward for those few who have sat through the last 5 minutes of the movie watching the credits. This little 1-2 minute film strip can be just a fun tid bit or a meaningful link to a sequel. I cite these films:
First, in animated film Cars, the end film strip is of the "typical" american couple (depicted as cars of course) still lost somewhere in America. The "wife" car pleading with her "husband" to please stop and ask someone for directions. The scene ends with a "fly" car hitting the screen.
Second, in Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Men's Chest, the extra scene is of the dog on Cannibal island is seated on the throne of bones with (yes, you guessed it) a long bone in its mouth. The natives of the island are celebrating the coronation of their new canine lord.
Thirdly, in You, Me and Dupree, the last few minutes belong to Lance Armstrong who makes yet another cameo appearance in this movie. He lies on the grass reading a motivational book written by the Dupree charater speaking the words: Lance-ness, Lanceness.
Fourthly, in X-men 3, this last film's extra post-credit scene was so important, the ushers at the theatre were actively instructing movie patrons to stay and see it. The voice of Xavier arises from his hospital bed. The audience learns that he didn't really die in the film. Then again, it is a comic book and does anyone really die in the comics. Jean Grey already did it once. However, the movie foretells the return of the Professor in likely the 4th X-men movie.
I still puzzled as to the reason for this trend in movie making. Is this to force us to stay through the credits and read who the Gaffer was or who the Personal assistant to Mr. B. Pitt was? Aside from the X-men 3 scene, most of these film scenes add nothing to the main body of the film. Most of the audience at these movies have actually begin to review the movie as they wait for that "after credits" scene. But, in the advent of DVD, most of us will probably just fast forward to the end... the "after credits" end that is.
