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	Movie Review - Wordplay (2006)     (What this rating means)       Director: Patrick Creadon Starring: Will Shortz and a bunch of nerds Rated: PG (for some language and mild thematic elements) Length: 94 minutes Genre: Documentary Tagline: None. Studio: IFC Films Website: Wordplay Release: July 7, 2006 PLOT An in-depth look at The New York Times' long-time crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz. Wordplay chronicles the ins and outs of crossword puzzle creation, culminating in the 28th Annual American Crossword Tournament. Playing with words ensues. JOHNNY'S TAKE "I can take you with your triple consonant!" Jon Stewart defiantly yells to the camera, clearly addressing the creator of the current New York Times crossword puzzle that he's working on. People take their crosswords seriously - just listen to puzzle editor Will Shortz read some of the mail he gets. He better be careful not to make the Monday puzzles too hard because it sounds like one guy is ready to inflict bodily harm. What's a hobby or leisurely time waster for some is apparently an obsession with others. Do you like crossword puzzles? Ever wondered what the rules of making a crossword are? Do you know the importance of the "Sunday Morning Breakfast Test"? Perhaps you've sat around and reflected on who makes the best crossword puzzle solvers. Or maybe you've just always wanted to know what a handful of celebrities think about the crossword phenomenon. If any of that sounds familiar then you'll find a certain amount of interest in Wordplay. Or NerdFest 2006, if you like. Don't get me wrong; I enjoyed the film and was thoroughly fascinated by witnessing how the minds of these puzzle makers work, but you do have to put up with a lot of geekage. Especially concerning the tournament contestants. I don't have a problem with nerds doing what nerds do, but if I'm being completely honest I have to say I wasn't all that interested in the private lives of these guys who most likely endured daily beatings during their high school years. As a result, the coverage of the actual tournament is where the film loses a little bit of steam because I never mustered any concern over who'd win. I preferred the insight into the details of crossword making. As far as documentaries go, Wordplay is an interesting and entertaining way to pass 90 minutes of your time. If, like good ol' Johnny Betts, you have a geeky, intellectual side then this will appeal to it. As far as big screen releases go, well, I'll let you decide if you think a documentary about crossword puzzles is worth $8+ a pop. I've gotta give the film credit - it inspired me to attempt the New York Times Crossword puzzle. I enjoy crosswords, but I've just never taken the time to try out the so-called monolith of all crosswords. I have no desire to complete it in under two minutes like one of the subjects of this documentary, but I'm interested in seeing if it's as formidable as everybody makes it out to be. Wish me a four-letter word for a force that brings good fortune or adversity. Oh, and the first letter is "L" for all you wiseacres out there. ODDS & ENDS One of the highlights of the tournament footage is Vic Fleming's performance of If You Don't Come Across (I'm Gonna be Down). Very clever. Check out this website for lyrics and a video. Check out the Wordplay website for more Odds & Ends than you know what to do with. Jon Stewart was in Big Daddy with Leslie Mann who was in She's the One with Amanda Peet who was in Melinda and Melinda with Josh Brolin who was in Hollow Man with Kevin Bacon. MAMA'S APPROVAL There's not much here to offend, except for the raunchy striptease that one of the crossword tournament contestants performs. Just kidding. Parents should be warned that young kids will probably be painfully bored. TRAILER COMPARISON What you see is what you get. THE GIST Wordplay is an intriguing look at what exactly goes into creating the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. This will make an entertaining watch for all you puzzle lovers out there, whether you catch it on the big screen, DVD, or just wait until it airs on A&E one day.	RETURN TO HOME PAGE Eagle Eye Righteous Kill Tropic Thunder Traitor Death Race Star Wars: Clone Wars The Dark Knight Journey to the Center of the Earth Hancock Get Smart Weekend Results: 1. Eagle Eye($29,200,000) 2. Nights in Rodanthe($13,570,000) 3. Lakeview Terrace($7,000,000) 4. Fireproof($6,514,000) 5. Burn After Reading($6,169,000)

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