A documentary that focuses on the world of crossword puzzles: those that construct them, those that love to solve them, those that compete in the annual Crossword competition in Stamford and also on Will Shortz, the editor of the New York Times crossword since the early 1990s. Shortz actually has a university degree in games and organized the first crossword championship in 1978. Some of the contributors to the Times puzzle explain how they go about building them while some a... (Full plot summary below)
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A documentary that focuses on the world of crossword puzzles: those that construct them, those that love to solve them, those that compete in the annual Crossword competition in Stamford and also on Will Shortz, the editor of the New York Times crossword since the early 1990s. Shortz actually has a university degree in games and organized the first crossword championship in 1978. Some of the contributors to the Times puzzle explain how they go about building them while some aficionados, including former President Bill Clinton and comedian Jon Stewart talk about their love of solving them. The film also introduces several past champions and near champions competing in the 2006 tournament and it takes you from the preliminary rounds to the final where the top three contestants compete in front of a room full of admiring contestants.
Leave your thoughts about Wordplay.
| Los Angeles Daily NewsGlenn WhippJust like its predecessors, Wordplay is likable and engaging. It's even, at times, a cut above. |
| FilmJerk.comEdward HavensWhat is an eight letter word for a totally engrossing and entertaining documentary about crossword puzzles, those who create them and those who obsessively solve them? |
| Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternThe fact that Wordplay works as a film at all is a testament to its skill. The New York Times may never find a better marketing tool. |
| Reeling ReviewsRobin CliffordThis is the kind of documentary that is a must for anyone who steadfastly spends the time each day or week to complete his or her favorite crossword. |
| Flick FilosopherMaryAnn JohansonIt's so rare, and so delightful, to see a film that unabashedly celebrates folks who are supersmart and feel no need to hide it that that alone is reason to check out this unexpectedly riveting film. |
| Las Vegas Review-JournalCarol Cling... fills in the blanks with genial zeal. |
| Zertinet MoviesSteven SnyderIt's a movie about crosswords, as seen through [puzzlers'] eyes, and it makes us one of them as we learn how to do crosswords by their side. |
| Arizona Daily StarPhil VillarrealSo there's this new documentary about crossword puzzles . . . WAIT, get back here! |
| Laramie Movie ScopeRobert RotenTheir world of puzzles is like an alternate universe and this film offers a window into it. |
| Reno Gazette-JournalForrest HartmanDirector Patrick Creadon has turned crossword puzzling into a spectator sport. |
