The documentary "Wordplay," which delves into the world of crossword puzzles, initially appeared to be an excellent selection for my family, especially given our burgeoning interest in puzzles. However, it quickly became apparent that the film falls short of expectations.
The primary issue is the length of the documentary. What could have been a concise and engaging 30-45 minute feature is drawn out into a full-length film. This unnecessary extension results in a loss of focus and engagement, leaving viewers longing for more precise editing to maintain interest.
The inclusion of celebrity appearances, such as Jon Stewart and Mike Mussina, failed to add substantial value to the overall narrative. These cameos, while potentially exciting, were not enough to elevate the documentary beyond its fundamental shortcomings.
The film's focus on Will Shortz and the iconic New York Times Crossword is a redeeming quality. It offers an insightful glimpse into the mind of a celebrated puzzle master and the intricate world of crossword construction. However, this alone cannot carry the entire documentary.
In conclusion, while the subject matter of "Wordplay" is inherently fascinating, especially for puzzle enthusiasts, the execution leaves much to be desired. The film's pacing and content could have been significantly tightened to create a more engaging and impactful viewing experience.
My recommendation is to invest your time directly in the stimulating world of puzzles rather than watching this lackluster portrayal. The joy and challenge of solving crosswords far surpass the experience offered by this documentary.
The primary issue is the length of the documentary. What could have been a concise and engaging 30-45 minute feature is drawn out into a full-length film. This unnecessary extension results in a loss of focus and engagement, leaving viewers longing for more precise editing to maintain interest.
The inclusion of celebrity appearances, such as Jon Stewart and Mike Mussina, failed to add substantial value to the overall narrative. These cameos, while potentially exciting, were not enough to elevate the documentary beyond its fundamental shortcomings.
The film's focus on Will Shortz and the iconic New York Times Crossword is a redeeming quality. It offers an insightful glimpse into the mind of a celebrated puzzle master and the intricate world of crossword construction. However, this alone cannot carry the entire documentary.
In conclusion, while the subject matter of "Wordplay" is inherently fascinating, especially for puzzle enthusiasts, the execution leaves much to be desired. The film's pacing and content could have been significantly tightened to create a more engaging and impactful viewing experience.
My recommendation is to invest your time directly in the stimulating world of puzzles rather than watching this lackluster portrayal. The joy and challenge of solving crosswords far surpass the experience offered by this documentary.
