Ben 10 - TV-Y7-FV
TV Rating: TV-Y7-FV
Network: Cartoon Network
Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this 10-year-old superhero battles villains using physical violence. If parents have strong feelings about not letting their kids watch cartoons containing violence, then this one isn't for them. When facing evil, Ben is able to morph into one of ten different alien creatures. This transformation is accompanied by dramatic visuals, dialogue, and music that may frighten younger viewers (especially kids under 7, who may not understand the fantasy vs. reality concept). Some kids may be alarmed when the villains attack, punch, throw, shoot, and do whatever it takes to stop Ben. On a positive note, Ben relies on his Grandpa Max and cousin Gwen to help him get out of dangerous situations.
Families who watch this show together can talk about what makes this kid 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? They can also talk about when and if it's ever okay to fight back and when other responses are appropriate. Also, if kids are interested in Ben's alien-morphing abilities, families can use this opportunity to introduce science fiction books and films.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
Ben Tennyson is a relatable 10-year-old. He gets frustrated with his family, has challenges with peers, and gets himself caught up in problems that he cannot solve alone. The difference is that his solution to solving problems starts with using his Omnitrix, a watch-like device that he found and wears. On it he can choose which one of ten different aliens he wants to become. He's still Ben, just transformed into an alien form with superhero powers.
Ben travels over a summer with his Grandpa Max, kind and empathetic and always ready to battle aliens; and his cousin Gwen, a sassy girl who plays a key role in getting him out of tangles. Max and Gwen know about Ben's powers yet don't place him on a pedestal as they're well aware he needs their help when fighting off bad guys.
The villains themselves take as wonderfully creative forms as Ben. They will attack, punch, throw, shoot, and do whatever it takes to stop Ben. This is no doubt great fun to watch for many kids but may be scary for kids younger than 7. If parents have strong feelings about not letting their kids watch violent cartoons, this one isn't for them.
The animation is rich and colorful, inspired by the Japanese anime that's so popular today. Dialogue between Max, Gwen, and Ben is not up-to-par with the visuals, though, and needs to be updated to reflect how kids really speak to each other. Still, overlooking the violence, BEN 10 gives kids a peek into the world of science fiction along with exciting action and creative animation.
For more adventures in tween gadgetry, check out Time Warp Trio and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron.
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ViolencePunching, kicking, shooting, wrestling, chasing with all or some variation packed in each episode. |
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Social BehaviorEven with superpowers, this boy turns to his grandfather and female cousin for support. |
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