By Lisa Anderson

“Wordplay”

IFC films

Directed and written by Patrick Creadon

Starring: Will Shortz, Jon Stewart, Mike Mussina, Bob Dole and Bill Clinton

Not Rated/90 minutes

Opened July 7, 2006

Three-and-a-half out of four stars

“Wordplay” is a warm and funny documentary showcasing Will Shortz, the editor of The New York Times’ crossword puzzles and founder of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament.

Director Patrick Creadon does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of puzzlers-their drive, their determination, their sense of family. The film offers a glimpse into the lives of several of the top competitors, as well- warm, witty individuals who easily solve a Sunday Times puzzle in fewer than 10 minutes. This astounds us mere mortals who do a puzzle from time to time, but often don’t even complete it.

Former President Bill Clinton and Jon Stewart are among the celebrity crossword-puzzle fans whose interviews remind us that it’s cool to be a geek.