Playful Crossword Puzzle Debut in the NYT

In 2021, AMC released a melodramatic ad to encourage people to return to movie theaters. Nicole Kidman starred in the ad, and she has yet to outlive the jokes about her opening line: “We come to this place for magic.”

AMC’s 2021 Melodramatic Ad and Nicole Kidman’s Role

Crossword construction can be a meticulous and challenging process, often requiring several iterations before reaching a satisfactory final product. The journey typically involves a lot of trial and error, as demonstrated in the creation of this particular puzzle. In the initial stages, the submission was geared towards a Sunday layout, known for their larger and more complex grids. However, the editorial feedback suggested that the puzzle might be more effective if it was adapted into a standard 15×15 format. Such adjustments are not uncommon in the world of puzzle-making and emphasize the importance of flexibility and openness to critiques in refining the theme and structure. The goal of achieving a balance between humor and cleverness was a driving force in this iteration, ensuring that solvers experience a blend of amusement and delight when uncovering the theme. The collaborative effort, involving feedback and encouragement from family and seasoned puzzle editors, was invaluable in shaping the final version of this crossword.

Solving the Newspaper Crossword Puzzle

This puzzle actually started out as a Sunday submission. The puzzle team thought it might work better if it were pared down and asked if I would be willing to rework it as a 15×15 puzzle. I love crossword themes that land somewhere between laugh-out-loud and eye-roll when they “click,” and that’s ultimately what I went with for this puzzle — I hope you and your readers enjoy solving it, and any groans are warranted!

Shall we go somewhere we’ve never been before, to be not just entertained but somehow reborn, together?

One of the delightful aspects of this crossword is the clever use of familiar phrases turned into punny movie descriptions. Benson’s puzzle features a theme that, while it may be apparent, is cleverly executed, capturing the humor of language play. As solvers engage with the grid, they might chuckle at these unexpected twists, which demonstrate the versatility and richness of language. This approach reminds us of the joy found in discovering new interpretations of everyday expressions, cleverly tied to film titles that many of us hold dear.

Acknowledgments and Inspirations in Puzzle Construction

Endless thanks to my wife, Kayla; my daughter, Maddie; and my son, Jackson, for their support and encouragement as I worked to check this off my bucket list. Also a huge shout-out to Christina Iverson for her guidance and patience as I reworked this puzzle.