Star Trek enthusiasts are in for a special treat next month when a 1979 classic returns to the big screen in Grand Junction. Get ready to see Star Trek: The Motion Picture the way it was meant to be seen, at your local theater.

Okay, so many refer to Star Trek: The Motion Picture as "Spockalypse Now" or even "Star Trek: The MotionLESS Picture." Some moviegoers and critics panned the film due to its slow pace, cerebral script, and emphasis on special effects.

I first saw the film the day it came out, December 8, 1979, at the Monument Twin Cinemas on Monument Drive in Grand Junction. Personally, I LOVED it! I still love it to this day. In many ways, I consider it one of the best Star Trek films. Okay, it was slow, and had endless images of Sulu and Chekov staring at the viewscreen with their jaws hanging open. Nevertheless, it was great.

Why is this movie coming back to the big screen now? Well, 2019 is the 40th anniversary of the movie. They're a few months early, but that's fine with me. Yep, it's hard to believe, but it was 40 years ago when the newly refitted Enterprise cleared spacedock.

Coming up September 15 and 18, 2019, this awesome movie will be showing at the Regal Canyon View Stadium 14 in Grand Junction. Tickets are on sale now. Here are my top five reasons why you should catch this movie when it comes to town:

  • The special effects stand up against anything they are coming out with today (in my opinion)
  • There's only one way to truly appreciate the Enterprise refit - on the motion picture screen
  • This movie is underrated by critics and underappreciated by the fans
  • Why not do a little time traveling (back to '79) without actually having to time travel
  • The soundtrack alone is worth attending the movie

I've already bought my tickets. You should, too. Two tickets came to $27.50 after the oh-so-inconvenient "convenience charge." We at the station aren't promoting this event, and they aren't buying commercials with us. I'm excited about this because... I get excited about these kinds of things.

There are several showtimes. Be sure to catch at least one.

  • September 15 at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m.
  • September 18 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

I didn't wear a Starfleet uniform or Vulcan ears when I saw the movie back in 1979 (I was nine years old) and I don't plan to wear them now. As a matter of fact, despite what people say about me, I don't own a Starfleet uniform or Spock's ears. I'm a fan, and greatly appreciate everything Star Trek stands for. I'm not a particular fan of the new Star Trek series, so I'm ready to get my fix when Star Trek: The Motion Picture returns to theaters in Grand Junction.

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