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Ben 10: Race Against Time

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Movie ups alien-battle series' violence level.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Violence is the only means used to resolve conflict, and Ben withstands lots of bullying and mocking from his mean-spirited tween classmates. But there's a strong sense of camaraderie between him and his cousin and grandfather, who are always there to watch his back when he's fighting the bad guys.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Violence is prevalent and is the only method of resolving conflict between enemies. The boy hero's super powers change based on the various alien forms he takes, so -- depending on his appearance -- he can punch, kick, and throw his adversaries, as well as hurl weapons like balls of fire. A group uses high-tech guns against evil aliens, and, in one scene, a dying man resembling a corpse comes back to life long enough to warn Ben that his life is in danger.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    One quick use of "hell."
  • Consumerism:

    No overt advertising, but the movie (and the animated series it's based on) come complete with a line of toys and games for kids.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ben 10: Race Against Time

Parents need to know that, like the animated series it's based on, this made-for-TV movie features a hefty amount of violence -- which, in live-action form, could be even more upsetting to young viewers. Frequent clashes between good and evil characters include hand-to-hand fighting, gun use (there's no blood, but some aliens drop out of sight when they're shot), and superpowers like wielding fireballs and draining the life from people (the act isn't shown, but a corpse-like victim is). A ruthless villain briefly overtakes the hero's body to regain his own strength, causing the boy (who looks like a man) to turn against his cousin. It's worth noting that there's a full line of tie-in toys and games in stores, so young fans may start asking for them after tuning in.

Read our full review by Emily Ashby

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what makes Ben a hero. Is it his ability to morph into aliens and fight off villains, or is it that he takes on challenges and asks for support when needed? Also, is fighting ever an appropriate response in a conflict? If so, when? What other responses are options? Families can also discuss how the media handle the possibility of alien life. How do fantasy and science-fiction movies and series like this one affect your opinion of extraterrestrial life? Do you believe in aliens? Why or why not?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i like this movie very much

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