Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)

Director: Sam Dunn & Scot McFadyen

Starring: Rush

More Info: IMDB

Tagline: Beyond the lighted stage

Plot: An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band's musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the '70s to their current heavy rock style.

My Rating: 8/10

Would I watch it again? Sure

I never really knew much about the band, musically, except for their song, Tom Sawyer. But then that was probably the one of the few songs of theirs that got serious airplay nationwide. What I found most interesting is that this trio has been together recording and touring for more than 35 years and they're still the best of friends. Each one is a virtuoso on their instrument and none of them portray that typical rock star attitude - they're regular guys just like us. That was what I most admired about them.

Even if you know of their music less than I do, which is doubtful, you'll dig this film. It starts from the beginning and brings you to present day with tons of interviews and anecdotes. The only real 'drama' the band seemed to have had was when drummer Neal Peart lost his child and his wife within a year. Naturally distraught, he told the fellas he was going for a ride on his motorcycle and left from Canada and made it all the way down to South America. Five years later his soul-searching journey was over and they started touring again.

I really only have one complaint and that's Jack Black. He was interviewed about how Rush influenced his duo, Tenacious D. I have no problem with his inclusion but it's his showboating, face-making, eyebrow raising, clowning around "acting" that got in the way. Gene Simmons, of KISS, on the other hand is usually hamming it up but not here. He's got some great stories about their tours together. Billy Corgan, of The Smashing Pumpkins, tries to weave Rush's music into something far deeper and heady than it probably is. Matt Stone is great as always and there's even a South Park Rush bit which gets a few laughs.

For a rock group as grounded as these guys are, you can't help but want to start going through their back catalog and hearing what they've been about all these years. It's not too late.