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Wordplay (2005)

Wordplay (2005)
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Cinematographer-turned-documentary filmmaker Patrick Creadon takes a compelling look at the brainy world of crossword puzzles, the masterminds that conceive them, and the folks who struggle to solve them in a film that offers a close look at one of America's most popular pastimes. For 12 years, the name Will Shortz has been indelibly linked to the wildly popular New York Times crossword puzzle. As filmmakers speak with Shortz and the puzzle constructors with whom he collaborates, viewers are treated to a rare look into the minds of the people whose intellect entertains a nation of puzzle-solvers on a weekly basis. Interviews with a variety of celebrity crossword-puzzle enthusiasts including Bob Dole, Ken Burns, and Jon Stewart are also included, and a trip to the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament -- an annual event founded by Shortz himself -- offers an entertaining look at a world where the brain power and colorful personalities of contestants combine to create a lively atmosphere of friendly competition. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Starring:
Will ShortzMerl Reagle, (more)
Director(s):
Patrick Creadon
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Wordplay

Cinematographer-turned-documentary filmmaker Patrick Creadon takes a compelling look at the brainy world of crossword puzzles, the masterminds that conceive them, and the folks who struggle to solve them in a film that offers a close look at one of America's most popular pastimes. For 12 years, the name Will Shortz has been indelibly linked to the wildly popular New York Times crossword puzzle. As filmmakers speak with Shortz and the puzzle constructors with whom he collaborates, viewers are treated to a rare look into the minds of the people whose intellect entertains a nation of puzzle-solvers on a weekly basis. Interviews with a variety of celebrity crossword-puzzle enthusiasts including Bob Dole, Ken Burns, and Jon Stewart are also included, and a trip to the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament -- an annual event founded by Shortz himself -- offers an entertaining look at a world where the brain power and colorful personalities of contestants combine to create a lively atmosphere of friendly competition. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
85 mins

Complete Cast of Wordplay


Director(s):
Patrick Creadon
Producer(s):
Christine O'Malley
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Adult Language)
Categories:
DocumentaryIndependent Films
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Member Reviews
 
Elizabeth H.

I found myself smiling the whole time I watched this movie. It amused me to observe people thinking out loud, talking to themselves, while they solved a puzzle. (I found myself watching to see who uses a pen and who uses a pencil.) This isn't an exciting, blockbuster movie, but it's a pleasant one for those of us who enjoy crossword puzzles.

Yes   |   No

 
Lori A.

Being a crossword puzzle fanatic, I totally enjoyed learning about the lives of Will Shortz and the other crossword constructors. How their minds work was fascinating to me. I could have done without the "reality show" part of the movie.

Yes   |   No

 
Roger R.

Wordplay was just ok. It wasn't Fog of War or even Spellbound. Those Documentaries placed their faith in their subjects who turned out to be interesting and even odd. That is however what makes "Docs" work. Wordplay never really examined, with any depth, the lives of its subjects. It followed a typical meet the characters as they prepare for the big event, the big event, the winner. It is difficult to sustain interest in a film's outcome when little was done to mine the interest of its characters.

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