Wordplay (2005)

95% of critics liked it
(121 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(21,072 ratings)

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… More 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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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Patrick Creadon
Written By: Christine O'Malley
Genres: Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Special Interest

In Theaters: Jun 16, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Nov 7, 2006
Studio: IFC Films

Critic Reviews

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Boy, was I wrong. There's more palm-sweating suspense in one minute of this baby than in all of The Omen.
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
Even though these puzzles are mapped out with utmost precision -- and even though logic is an extremely useful tool for solving them -- they're still, somehow, objects of intrigue and mystery.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A playful, informative and very sweet documentary about the world of words 'across' or 'down.'
Tom Long, Detroit News
There's a surface satisfaction to Wordplay that's absolutely undeniable. But there are also just enough smarts here to make you wish for something more.
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
Manages to present lively and entertaining portraits of men and women who think in boxes while working outside of them.
Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic
Thankfully, just when you're ready to nod off, Stewart comes back. Watching him attack the Times with his pen and screaming 'Bring it!' is worth the price of admission.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A poignant inside look into the world of crossover puzzles of the NY Times.
Jay Antani, Cinema Writer
As pleasant and good-natured as Wordplay is, it's not exactly potent stuff"
Jeffrey Chen, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
If the movie emphasizes anything, it affirms that common-interest societies like this ... all survive by sharing the traits of community, devotion, and mutual dedication.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Patrick Creadon's documentary about the New York Times crossword puzzle's creators and fans is a positively joyful movie that will appeal even to audiences who have little affinity for the mind-bending puzzles.
Robert Davis, Paste Magazine
Similar in structure to the recent movie Spellbound, Wordplay is a fun documentary about an American institution and national habit.
Kam Williams, BlackFilm.com
Actually manages to take a supposedly solitary and cerebral endeavor and present it as a spectator sport every bit as engaging as the national pastime.
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs
This movie is done so well that even if you're like me and don't do crossword puzzles, you'll still be entertained.
Forrest Hartman, Reno Gazette-Journal
Director Patrick Creadon has turned crossword puzzling into a spectator sport.
Brie Beazley, Reel.com
Enlivened by the presence of Shortz, his celebrity fans, and other hardcore members of the crossword community, Wordplay is fun and thought-provoking-just like crossword puzzles themselves.
Phil Hall, EDGE Boston
A five-letter synonym for this movie: Zzzzz.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Where Wordplay wins is not so much in the contest footage, but in its interviews with average, everyday crossword puzzle junkies.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Intriguing, surprising and stimulating, Wordplay is much more than a documentary about a crossword tournament. Anyone who is remotely interested in the English language will be fascinated
Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat
Wordplay gave me new respect for the intelligence of those who solve them well, and admiration for those who create them.

Read all 19 critic reviews

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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 Helvetica 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 Helvetica 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 The King Of Kong instead.
Richard F

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