“Ben 10 Versus the Universe: The Movie” – Review

Fans of the Ben 10 franchise can now own the animated film Ben 10 Versus the Universe on DVD. 

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free Ben 10 Versus the Universe DVD for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

I understand that are still some people out there who aren’t interested in the current Ben 10 reboot airing on Cartoon Network. As a fan of the original Ben 10 animated series and the installments that followed, I have to say that I’m okay with the current reboot retelling Ben’s story. The current series, which debuted in the U.S. back in 2017, has been giving us some cool new aliens, alien-centric Omnitrix modes, characters, and storylines. I am still waiting for Gwen to tap into her magical potential, though.

Coming to Ben 10 Versus the Universe, it’s an animated movie that aired on Cartoon Network on October 10, 2020. It’s got Ben going into space while Vilgax is wreaking havoc on Earth.

The official synopsis reads:

The action-packed movie, which will air globally first on Cartoon Network, will focus around a blast from Ben’s past returning to do double the damage on Team Tennyson and planet Earth itself, forcing Ben to go interstellar to save the day. Meanwhile, Gwen and Grandpa Max team up to help protect the world in Ben’s absence. But when our boy hero is confused for the villain in space, Ben must figure out a way to get back to Earth to help save it!

Understandably, Ben’s grown bored with fighting aliens and other bad guys. He’s also become overconfident in his abilities. As a kid with an immensely powerful device on his wrist, I think such a change in his personality made sense. However, it’s clear he’s about to learn a lesson in humility. I liked what the writers made him go through to achieve said goal.

For those wanting to learn more about the creation of the Omnitrix and the device’s connection to Vilgax, this film delivered a lot of information. With what we know now, I’m interested in seeing how the main animated series (which will air the fifth season soon) will build on everything.

Kevin and Gwen’s relationship also developed. They’re destined to be together when they grow older (one of my OTPs). I always find their interactions as kids to be quite cute.

On a surprising note, Ben 10 Versus the Universe featured a gay couple in a positive manner. The scene lasted for a few seconds, but it was nice to see. The particular scene had a realtor and a gay couple standing outside a newly sold house. The couple’s quite happy with the purchase. However, a car (which Vilgax threw) landed on the house’s roof which led to one of the men suggesting the house be given to his partner’s parents. It made me chuckle.

Coming to the DVD release, it’s your standard Warner Bros. Home Entertainment fare. I didn’t experience any issues with the video or audio presentation. The movie’s approximate running time is 69 minutes. The enhanced content (which includes some fun Animatics) came in at around 10 minutes.

In my opinion, Ben 10 Versus the Universe offers fans a fast-paced and very action-heavy adventure with some new aliens and powerups. It’s something fun to watch while we wait for the fifth season in the main series.

Ben 10 Versus the Universe was released on DVD on October 27, 2020. You can also purchase it on Digital.

Feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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