Watch Rush - Time Machine: Live in Cleveland

Rush - Time Machine: Live in Cleveland is a concert film capturing legendary Canadian rock band Rush's 2011 performance in Cleveland, Ohio. Directed by Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen, the movie showcases the band's awe-inspiring live performance, highlighting their incredible musicianship and showmanship. The film begins as the camera follows the band onto the stage, while massive screens at the back of the stage depict images of grandfather clocks that seemingly transport the band and audience through time. The band kicks off their set with "The Spirit of Radio" from their iconic 1980 album "Permanent Waves," which immediately sets the tone for a thrilling and unforgettable concert experience.

Throughout the film, the trio - consisting of Geddy Lee on bass, keyboards, and lead vocals, Alex Lifeson on guitars and backing vocals, and Neil Peart on drums and percussion - perform an electrifying setlist that spans their nearly 40-year career. From older hits like "Freewill" and "Subdivisions" to newer fan favorites like "Caravan" and "BU2B," the band showcases a range of sounds and styles that have endeared them to generations of fans.

One of the most impressive elements of the film is how it captures the intricate musicianship of each band member. Geddy Lee's singing is as clear and confident as ever, his bass and keyboard work are both intricate and dazzling, and his onstage banter is both humorous and endearing. Alex Lifeson's guitar playing is as sharp and precise as ever, with his solos and riffs adding a heavy edge to the band's sound. Finally, Neil Peart's drumming is simply awe-inspiring, with his complex rhythms and intricate fills showcasing why he's widely considered one of the greatest drummers of all time.

The film also showcases the band's impressive stage setup, which includes massive screens that depict everything from fantastical landscapes to archival footage of the band's past performances. The lighting and pyrotechnics are also top-notch, contributing to the overall theatricality of the concert experience.

One of the most memorable moments of the film is the performance of "Time Stand Still," a fan favorite ballad from the band's 1987 album "Hold Your Fire." As the song begins, the screens show nostalgic images of the band's past performances, which elicits cheers and applause from the audience. The lyrics, which speak to the fleeting nature of time, are especially poignant in the context of a rock concert, and the band's heartfelt delivery adds to the emotional impact of the song.

Despite the band's impressive history and countless accolades, they never take themselves too seriously, which is evident in their playful banter and humorous onstage antics. For example, during "The Camera Eye," a song from their 1981 album "Moving Pictures," Lifeson sports a cheesy tourist hat and Lee plays an accordion, eliciting laughs and cheers from the crowd.

Overall, Rush - Time Machine: Live in Cleveland is a must-watch for any fan of the band, as well as anyone who appreciates masterful musicianship and theatrical live performances. The film captures the energy and excitement of a Rush concert, showcasing why the band continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Rush - Time Machine: Live in Cleveland is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.