Sitting in a laundromat in Buena Vista last week, I looked around to see how the other patrons were spending their time while the clothes dried. Crossword puzzles, of course . . . “37 Down: Detergent and ocean swingT-I-D-E.”
Suddenly the oddball and dingbat characters in the terrific documentary “Wordplay” came tumbling back to my brain, like old friends bumping through the front door. There’s outspoken Ellen, twirling her baton and telling off boyfriends in between crossword competitions; challenger Tyler, eager to be the youngest ever crossword champion; crusty Merl, creating a new crossword from scratch right before our eyes.
“Wordplay” is an engaging film for your ‘tweens and teenagers that tells the story of the national crossword championship, ginned up in 1978 by puzzlemaster Will Shortz and a few dedicated crossword fanatics. The competition has since grown to fill a hotel ballroom for a weekend, and “Wordplay” comes along for the 2005 tournament.
Director Patrick Creadon introduces us to a few of the top competitors, but adds spice with celebrity crossword fans like Jon Stewart, pitcher Mike Mussina, Bill Clinton, Bob Dole and many more. Their wisecracking reveals new aspects of their personalities: turns out they’re all word freaks and geeks, and their daily New York Times puzzle is a highlight of their thinking life.
The kids won’t be bored. The eccentric personalities provide endless entertainment, and the competition is framed in high drama. Colorado favorite son Al Sanders makes a critical mistake at the worst time, lending pathos to the generally jovial proceedings.
“Wordplay” is a surprisingly absorbing look into a genial community of scrappy competitors. The fact they wield pencils instead of baseball bats is almost beside the point.
“Wordplay”
Rated: PG, for very mild language.
Best suited for: All parents and puzzle fans, kids about 10 or older who enjoy competition and quirky characters.
