MOTOR racing movies are almost always universally bad. Race scenes are unrealistic, dialogue generally stereotypical and the choice of actors for the lead roles badly assigned.

This movie is the exception to the rule.

Rush has everything - action so raw you feel like you are trackside, noise so visceral even the best surround-sound system cannot do it justice, cinematography almost artist like in its delivery and two actors so like the people they are portraying that at times you could be forgiven for thinking you are watching a documentary.

The story of the on and off track clashes between Formula One legends, James Hunt and Niki Lauda, it focuses on the now legendary 1976 season.

Chris Hemsworth (Hunt) and Daniel Bruhl (Lauda) put in polished performances as the two protagonists who are poles apart as people but each possess a cast-iron will to win.

It might be too much to call it a masterpiece, but it is certainly the best movie to come from director Ron Howard and will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

  • Rush is released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 27 from StudioCanal.

We have two Blu-Ray copies of Rush to give away and two runners-up prizes of copies of the book 'Memories of James Hunt'.

All you have to do to stand a chance of winning is answer this question: Name the two Formula One stars portrayed in Rush?

Send your entries to Rush competition, c/o Matt Westcott, Newsdesk, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL11NF or email matt.westcott@nne.co.uk marking your entry Rush competition. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. The competition closing date is Wednesday, January 29. Usual Newsquest North-East rules apply.