A working man, with an uncle called Karl spelled with a K and that probably is the only non-cop character of the movie with a gun btw, awakens from the alienation and through class consciousness, takes control of the machine, and use them to create a different world, where workers no longer just dream of on going on vacation. Through regained class consciousness people become kinder to one another (the old man letting Jennifer Connelly take his sit on the bus to shellbeach at the end) and start living their life.

here’s an extract of the script towards the very end of the movie :

-Hi, Uncle Karl. -Johnny!

           Getting the hang of it, John. Maybe one day I'll work for you.

           Here's the machine the Strangers use to amplify their thoughts,

           the machine that changes their world.

           You must take control of it. You must make the machine yours.

           I know you can beat them, but you must concentrate.

           Something's wrong.

           There is no time for romance.

           The world can be what you make it.

edit : another extract :

Jane and little Matthew.

         The rich get richer.

        Probably have maid's quarters...

        before the night is through.