Why Inception Is The Best Movie of All Time

"You're waiting for a train. A train that will take you far away. You know where you hope this train will take you, but you don't know for sure."

Looking back, I don't even remember what made me decide to watch Inception. Perhaps it was an online review, perhaps it was a friend's recommendation. What I do remember is finally having some time for myself one boring afternoon and the movie on my laptop (I never caught it while it was still in cinemas - one of my lifetime regrets). So I sat down and took a proverbial train ride, not knowing where it would take me.

That ride ended 2.5 hours later, and with it, my life had changed.

[SPOILERS AHEAD] [IT'S BEEN 4 FREAKING YEARS]

You and I

She was sitting across from me, talking on the phone. She leaned back and giggled uncontrollably. I like it when she does that. Thank you, whoever it is on the other end. Oh, how I love her laugh. Nothing but music to my ears.

“Think about the places we have seen together,”

I hear the familiar tune playing. Instinctively I brace myself.

“Back when it was just you and I.” I sing along with the song in my head, and breathed a gentle sigh.

Companion

Author's note: From now on I have decided to call my fiction series "Oneiric Cognition". It comes with the fancy picture (credits to Siangling) and, hopefully, a new entry every month.

Why do you still keep Jake anyway? It’s not like you need Artificial Intelligence to assist you when you already have Enhanced Cognition.

I pondered the question that my other half fired at me. Yes, it is a little redundant to have a separate AI when I already have one integrated within me. Even though the integrated AI is rather basic, when combined with human intellect, it easily surpasses the limits of both human and machine. 

But we’re talking about Jake here. Sure, you can categorize him as an AI, but he’s more than that. He’s a Companion™. 

What is a Companion™, you ask? Well, let me tell you a story. I hope you like stories.

Breakfast

He was already waiting for me when I descended the hard-light elevator. He somehow always manages to be present whenever he’s needed. If I didn’t know him any better I’d be creeped out by now.

“Good morning, Gio.” he greeted.

“Morning.” I replied.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Not really. But it’s amazing how simulated dreams feel so real.”

“Technology that is indistinguishable from magic, you know that old saying?” he asked cheerfully.

“Yeah. Can’t believe we've gotten this far.”

“So what do you want for breakfast? Shall I warm up the food printer? Or do you just wanna pop one of those food pills?”

I stood silent for a while, pondering my options.

“No Jake, I, uh... I want to cook.”

“You want to cook?” Jake asked, surprised.

“Yes, Jake. Does the induction stove still work?”

“Yes, it does. I’ll start it up now. Do you want me to search for recipes?”

“No need. I remember my mum’s recipes just fine, thanks.”

Jake hesitated for a while. "Why?" He asked finally.

"I just want to feel human, Jake. To savour the taste of the Old Centuries...and prepare a surprise for her."

He fell silent and left me alone to my cooking.

Sweet Dreams

“You look absolutely dashing, sir.”

“My charming French acquaintance brings me nothing but the sharpest suits, dear Jake. And please, stop calling me sir. You’re my wingman, not my servant.” I quipped. “You look handsome yourself.” I said with a grin.

“I feel all wrapped up and uncomfortable.” replied Jake.

“Oh you’re just not used to wearing suits. You’ll get the hang of it. So much classier than jeans and a tee.” I glanced at my watch. 9.30 p.m. “We’d best be off now. Don’t wanna be late!”

“Wait,” said Jake, “Who is it this time?”

“Number 10. She’s a tough one to catch!”

Okay? More Than Okay: The Fault in Our Stars Review

Big, neon-lit disclaimer upfront: I have not read the book.

This is one of my "going in blind" situations where I know nothing about the movie and have not attempted to do any sort of research beforehand. Therefore, as is the case with many other book-to-movie adaptations, my opinions may not reflect that of someone going in the cinema with a certain set of expectations.

Let's face it, though: by reading a book, any book, you've pretty much guaranteed your disappointment for its movie counterpart anyway. So there is that.

With that out of the way, on to the blockbuster that's been hyped up for months now.

And for those of you who follow me, it's good to be writing again.

Picture

I trod down the massive hall, my heart racing.

The atmosphere was uncanny that day: a strangely harmonious concoction of chitter-chatter, occasional sobs and group selfies made the occasion undeniably melancholic. It was our graduation day.

Scanning the crowd, I caught myself stealing a quick glance at her. She was her usual self, smiling effortlessly as her cheerful demeanour resonated with her peers while they engaged in high spirited chitter chatter.

All of a sudden, as if she noticed, she glanced in my direction.

A Poem For My Brother

O how exciting it is to be
A child in the world of today!
A reality filled with stuff of dreams
The fruit of struggles, the base for more.

Look at yer phones and fancy tablets
Fresh out of Star Trek or Matrix lore
We 90s kids can only reminisce
The VCR-and-pencil tricks of yore.

Look at yer high speed trains and many planes
People crossing borders as they please
Never thought our childhood holiday dreams
Would be nothing to our little kids.

Look at yer global metropolises
A cross-mix of cultures and different things
Where many colours walk a single street
And a single suit clothe many skins.

Look, though, at yer pointless fights and wars
Not all is perfect as you can tell
But this will be what your gen will bear
March on bravely and all will be well.

O how exciting it is to be
A child in the world of today!
It's yours for the taking, yours to keep
What you want it to be, is now your say.