Ben 10

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 the discovery of a mysterious device called Omnitrix, a watch-like device that he found and wears. He gains the power to change/choose which one of ten different aliens heroes he wants to become (each with uniquely awesome powers). But he's still Ben, just transformed into an alien form with superhero powers and it doesn't mean he's above a little superpowered mischief now and then.

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.

Own the Complete Season 1 in DVD Format

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