 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ben 10: Alien Force
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Boy hero grows up, but still fighting aliens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this action cartoon spin-off features lots of physical violence, including hand-to-hand battles and weapons that shoot lasers. Though there's never any blood or realistic reactions to pain, occasionally characters are seriously injured, and some die, so be sure kids can differentiate between fantasy and reality before you let them watch. The alien morphing scenes may also confuse and/or frighten very young kids. All of that said, Ben 10 fans are sure to latch on to this show and its now-older hero, who must set aside differences with an old enemy and draw on his inner strength to get the job done.
What's the story?
Five years after he defeated his nemesis and took off the Omnitrix that gave him shape-morphing powers, alien conqueror Ben Tennyson (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal) is happy to be living a normal life. But when he finds out that his grandfather is missing, Ben -- now 15 -- and his level-headed cousin, Gwen (Ashley Johnson), are drawn back into the battle of the life forms. Joined by former enemy Kevin Levin (Gregory Cipes), and supported by 10 new alien forms courtesy of the Omnitrix, Ben faces his most difficult challenges yet: finding his grandfather and saving the galaxy from aliens who aim to destroy it.
Is it any good?
Packed with action, adventure, and alien transformations, BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE beckons to science fiction-loving tweens, particularly boys. The combination of an ever-changing cast of colorful villains and the underlying mystery of Ben's grandfather's disappearance is sure to keep viewers guessing -- and coming back for more.
If your tweens have followed Ben's previous adventures, they're likely to notice that he's grown up quite a bit for this series. At 15, he's more reflective and thoughtful than before, which allows him to team up with a former enemy for the greater good. He's also determined to take the lead in battling the aliens -- not for glory, but because his grandfather is depending on him. At the same time, he's often reminded that there's no substitute for teamwork. All of this offers some worthwhile lessons for the tween boys that the show aims to entertain. But be smart about letting kids tune in, since the show does feature a lot of violence (which occasionally results in death), and some of the aliens and monsters may scare little ones.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how heroes are portrayed in the media. What makes Ben a hero? Does being heroic mean never showing fear?
What role does violence play in heroes' triumph over evil? Is fighting the only answer, or are there more constructive ways to solve problems?
How is Ben different now that he's older?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
8 is a little young, but tweens might really enjoy the aliens!
I've watched every episode and have written a more complete review here thehownotto.blogspot*/2010/03/god-andcartoon-network.html
Ben learns fewer lessons than in the original and the stories have become a little blander, but friendship, family/parent role models, and teamwork are still emphasized. Violence is decreased, if anything, but the mean tirades between friends and some of the usually harmless flirting make it something younger kids don't need to see. It's a good show to watch WITH your kids, to discuss good things and bad things, and it is an awesome show to watch by yourself. XD One of my favs.
Again, full Christian review at thehownotto.blogspot*/2010/03/god-andcartoon-network.html
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Superb show...just pay attention
Its a good show with likable characters and in-depth plots, but lots of violence and some disturbing/scary images. Aliens/humans die throughout episodes, and violence and questionable content (such as flirting and darker plot elements) are always present. Parents who found teen titans questionable should be wary about letting younger kids watch it. On the other hand, young adults 12+ will love it!
It's easily one of my my favorite animated shows ever.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Sucks
i HATE ben 10 alien force they changed pretty much EVERYTHING!! bring bakk ben 10 and shut the alien force 1 down
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
No charisma, no personality, just a mediocre cartoon.
Be mature, doesn't mean you has to be lack of personality
really man, Kevin trying to KILL several time ben and gwen, and now he is the good guy?
gwen and ben now don't have any charisma, even my brother with 8 years, notice that
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Not a kid's show
I repeat: this is not a kid's show. It's made as one. But the music, the character situations, the dialogue, the humour and others is intended for an older audience. Whether is is from Ben fighting the knights and the extraterrestrial beings or Gwen and Kevin having romance with one another, I don't think it is good enough for nine year olds and over. I think
it should be iffy for 12 and above, and age appropriate for 16 and above.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I really think they could do more with this series...
Basic story for eight year old boys. A bit complex, which makes it mildly interesting. Each episode really has its own plot, making it easier for younger kids to understand. But I wish they had made this for older kids, like in the 10-12 range instead of 6-10. They threw in a little romance, but not much.
Let me put it this way. I can compare it to Naruto, an anime rated PG that shows later at night, aimed at kids 12+. Violence: Ben 10 has little realistic violence, no blood. They hit each other. That's about it. Naruto: People are constantly stabbing each other, with sharp, pointy things. There is blood. People get impaled. Sexuality: Ben 10: None. Naruto: The words "pervert" and "sexy" are used frequently. One older man is always spying on women. Womens' cleavage is often displayed in revealing outfits. Romance: Ben 10: Little. It is implied that two characters like each other, but that's it. Naruto: Romance is usually a humorous point. But some characters deeply love each other, and there is some serious kissing. Plot: A boy has to save the world, pretty much with only a few other kids. You know that good will win, it's for eight year olds. Naruto: A boy has a demon sealed inside of him, and people at first discriminate him because of that. The plot deals with more real topics, like war and human nature.
See my point? They could add more romance and more realistic themes and violence into Ben 10 and it would still be rated PG. They could also take out the corny lines. All they need to do is be more realistic. That being said, it is still a pretty good show for young boys. But older kids beware. Anime is much better suited to those 11 and up.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
January 13, 2011
AGE
Getting Boring
Getting kinda boring on and on...
This is good-but too much fighting
I mean this boy's only about 16
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Ben 10: Merchandise Force
I wouldn't exactly say that this is better than the first show, but it's entertaining. Unlike the first show, this one has a plot line, and that plot line is stopping an alien invasion. It can be a bit repetitive at times, bit it keeps the audience captivated. The thing that tanked this show though, was the merchandise.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, space and aliens |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Ashley Johnson, Greg Cipes, Yuri Lowenthal |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
