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Poster for Wordplay

Wordplay

Discover a world that thinks inside the box

2006 · 1h 34m · PG Documentary
Directed by Patrick Creadon

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Overview

From the masters who create the mind-bending diversions to the tense competition at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, Patrick Creadon's documentary reveals a fascinating look at a decidedly addictive pastime. Creadon captures New York Times editor Will Shortz at work, talks to celebrity solvers -- including Bill Clinton and Ken Burns -- and presents an intimate look at the national tournament and its competitors.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
95%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Boy, was I wrong. There's more palm-sweating suspense in one minute of this baby than in all of The Omen.

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Fresh

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.

Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
Fresh

A playful, informative and very sweet documentary about the world of words 'across' or 'down.'

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh

It manages to turn an internal, solitary activity into fodder for an engaging, even exciting movie.

Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald
Fresh

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.

Tom Long, Detroit News

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