Featured Audience Ratings

• Luke B

  
  Recently I've watched films about those obsessed with Scrabble, Chess, and Cinema. This was probably my favorite. First of all, all the people featured in this documentary seem to be able to function. They make friends, relationships, study, have jobs, etc. This makes them easier… More
  Recently I've watched films about those obsessed with Scrabble, Chess, and Cinema. This was probably my favorite. First of all, all the people featured in this documentary seem to be able to function. They make friends, relationships, study, have jobs, etc. This makes them easier to relate to and makes their talents more impressive. Unlike Scrabble, where people just memorized words, and not their meaning, here the contestants need some intelligence. The documentary loses points as it focuses too much on just The New York Times crossword puzzle. Which is fair enough, and leads to us seeing the creation and editing of crosswords. However, it comes across as an advertisement sometimes. Luckily, there is a lot of interest here. You wouldn't believe how much work goes into a simple puzzle, and how clever they can be. I never knew a puzzle could be witty until I saw the election of Bob Dole/Clinton section. It all boils up to a fantastic tournament finish. What I loved about this was that I was routing for all three finalists, and it was an unpredictable, heart-breaking, but also uplifting ending. It contained a lot of emotions without the manipulation you find in sport biopics.

• Alice S

  
  Oh freakin' man! Such thrilling and fantastic geekery! Special features are totally money. Maybe if <i>Helvetica</i> had solicited the yesman pandering of some late night news comedian or some MVP baseball player or oh, you know, a president or two, it would have… More
  Oh freakin' man! Such thrilling and fantastic geekery! Special features are totally money. Maybe if <i>Helvetica</i> had solicited the yesman pandering of some late night news comedian or some MVP baseball player or oh, you know, a president or two, it would have been a bigger hit at the box office :~P

• Jay H

  
  A fabulous documentary.

• Dean L

  
  Documentaries can take on various forms: There are those that are about a topic of interest so you watch. There are those that are hyped so you watch. Then there are those that take on a subject that seems dry and you pause, "Am I really going to be interested in this subject… More
  Documentaries can take on various forms: There are those that are about a topic of interest so you watch. There are those that are hyped so you watch. Then there are those that take on a subject that seems dry and you pause, "Am I really going to be interested in this subject matter?" Wordplay takes what might only be a mildly interesting subject to some and through fantastic editing, great cameos, use of humor and intrigue it makes a fascinating watch. We are brought into the world of crosswords and crossword puzzle making with forays into how they are made, the history of and many of the people who live for them. The crossword that is the focus of attention here is arguably the most famous in the world; The New York Times Crossword Puzzle. We get to hear the editor speak as well as the creators. Cameos from the likes of Jon Stewart and Bill Clinton (among others) lend star power and identification. The most interesting focus of the documentary is about the people who don't just enjoy the puzzles, but truly live for them and don't just do them on a whim. There is a big event/contest that takes place yearly in Stamford, CT where these people gather and compete. This whole excursion into this life was fascinating and I never would have thought a crossword puzzle competition could be so exciting! A really fun watch that is just the right length. Watch it when you can.

• Steve B

  
  Amazing how suspenseful a crossword puzzle tournament can be, but that's not the best part of this doco. What had me was the sheer genius of the people who create them. Fascinating.

• Rico Z

  
  An interesting look into the New York Times crossword puzzle, its enthusiastic players and the Nation Crossword Tournament. A great view if you're into crosswords and intellectual stimulation.

• Mike N

  
  Beyond excusing myself for further stalling the many stories that really must be shared, the city I'm off to this weekend, posting photos I am to post of my previous travels (which I'm totally holding up hundreds because of a few - I don't like incompletion...this has… More
  Beyond excusing myself for further stalling the many stories that really must be shared, the city I'm off to this weekend, posting photos I am to post of my previous travels (which I'm totally holding up hundreds because of a few - I don't like incompletion...this has to be an A-bomb of photos), catching up movie ratings in which I need 3 entries to post all, inviting people to talk about their apparent 'lives' and allowing me an opportunity to deny your collective neglect of my journal...now, this entry has no purpose.

• Chihoe H

  
  Very entertaining and educational. Bust your brains watching this.

• Lesley N

  
  A look at the world of New York crossword puzzlers, given extra credence by having Bill Clinton one of its many fans. Geeky and harmless.

• Doctor S

  
  Fond documentary about people obsessed with crossword puzzles, including thoughts from famous enthusiasts like Jon Stewart, Ken Burns, and Bill Clinton. Culminates with the annual national crossword competition of 2006 in Connecticut where all competitors seem like pleasant if… More
  Fond documentary about people obsessed with crossword puzzles, including thoughts from famous enthusiasts like Jon Stewart, Ken Burns, and Bill Clinton. Culminates with the annual national crossword competition of 2006 in Connecticut where all competitors seem like pleasant if somewhat dorky individuals. I enjoy crosswords, but if you want to see an engrossing docu that showcases a competition in a pastime in which you have absolutely no interest, check out <i>The King Of Kong</i> instead.

• Richard F

  
  Eight letters: A fantastic articulation documentary. Answer: "Wordplay"!

Read all 11 featured audience ratings