Ben 10: Alien Swarm - Cartoon Network - Advance TV Review

“Ben 10: Alien Swarm” plays succinctly towards the Cartoon Network's afternoon/late teen audience. The program itself is not too intrinsic but also is not too safe. It understands the balance that needs to be played while still motivating a responsible audience. This is not Adult Swim, nor should it be. “Ben 10” and its presence are a very real indicator of what the programming separation should be on a channel like this. Cartoon Network is not the Disney Channel but in creating afternoon and evening entertainment for its younger viewers it needs to have some kick. That said, a good example of this is the kind of element ABC Family is doing with its programming like “Samurai Girl” and “The Middleman”.

What “Ben 10” lacks at times is good humor which is utterly necessary in this type of tongue-in-cheek outing. Director Alex Winter, former Bill of “Bill & Ted”, knows the target for his audience but doesn't push it as far as it possibly needs to go. The technical elements including the production value, effects and shots all work very well but despite the script's limitations, there are some advantanges that could have been taken and were not. The relationship between Ben and his “Q”, as it were, has many possibilities to it while still maintaining the dynamic. It however simply becomes a one note element. Secondly we have Barry Corbin who killled on “Northern Exposure” but is not allowed to spread his wings here. Granted this is a by-the-book for a price piece operating in a difficult genre world but the possibilities could have been pushed much further.The story follows a betrayal which is highlighted in Ben's former friend Elena who comes back to ask Ben 10 for help because her father is in trouble. Nobody including Uncle (Corbin) wants to believe her...but 10 does (since he has to have a folly as the hero). It turns out that there is something more diabolical at play. Considering how the film ends, it is pretty inventive considering the restriction of budget and, of course, the angle is open for another.It is good that CN is pushing forward elements on a brand with a cohesive strategy and Winter is an apt director. However, some of the elements from his MTV/“Idiot Box” show or his “Freaks” feature, however subtle, would bring a great amount of character to the piece. Now granted these types of films are made by committee at times to hit a certain standard but within this auspice, leeway needs to be granted. Out of 5, I give it a 2.