Ben 10: Race Against Time

> *"What's the point of having the Omnitrix if I can't use it?"*
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> ― Ben Tennyson
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**Ben 10: Race Against Time** (also known as **Ben 10: The Movie**) is an American-Canadian made-for-television film special based on the Cartoon Network animated series created by Man of Action, *Ben 10*.

It stars newcomer(s) Graham Phillips, Christen Aholt, Haley Ramm, Lee Majors, Robert Picardo, and veteran voice actors Daran Norris, Carlos Alazraqui, Daran Norris, and Dee Bradley Baker.

The film received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While it was praised for its faithfulness to its source material, it was criticized for its special effects, tone, and performances of its cast. It premiered on November 21, 2007, in the United States as a Cartoon Network original film.

The film was made available on HBO Max's launch date of May 27, 2020. along with all of the animated series.

## **Synopsis**

Ben Tennyson returns home from summer vacation only to discover that a rapidly aging alien criminal named, Eon, is planning to use an ancient alien artifact to destroy Bellwood.

## **Official 'HBO Max' Description**

> "*After fighting aliens with his Grandpa Max and cousin Gwen, Ben returns home to face his biggest challenge yet, just being a regular kid. Little does he know that under his hometown of Bellwood lies a secret, one that he must protect at any cost*."
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## **Cast**

* Graham Phillips as Ben Tennyson
	+ David Franklin as Heatblast (voice)
	+ Carlos Alazraqui as Grey Matter (voice)
	+ Daran Norris as Diamondhead (voice)
	+ Dee Bradley Baker as Wildmutt (voice)
* Lee Majors as Max Tennyson
* Christien Anholt as Eon/Ben Eon
* Haley Ramm as Gwen Tennyson
* Beth Littleford as Sandra Tennyson
* Don McManus as Carl Tennyson
* Sab Shimono as Old Man
* Aloma Wright as Mrs. Dalton
* Robert Picardo as Principal White
* Tyler Patrick Jones as Cash Murray
* Tyler Foden as J.T.
* Paige Hurd as Stephanie
* Bianca Ruiz Brocki as Candace
* Jeff Jensen as Mr. Hawkins The Postman
* Michael Runyard as Fire Chief Whittington
* Alex Winter as Constantine Jacobs

## **Production**

### Development

The film's working title was *Ben 10 in the Hands of Armageddon*. Actor/director Alex Winter stated at the 2007 upfront presentation that he wanted *Ben 10: Race Against Time* "to look like X-Men," an epic adventure that is "more cinematic than cartoony" and appeal to all ages. Winter also jokingly promised the film will feature "no Jar Jar." a jab at the computer-animated comic relief character from the *Star Wars* film series.  In a behind-the-scenes video played on Cartoon Network's video service, Winter describes the film as "everything you've ever seen in *Ben 10* come to life." It was filmed using given Panavision Remote Systems.

The film's score contained authentic melodies and musical cues/leitmotifs straight from the original animated show.

*Ben 10: Race Against Time* features CGI effects and characters, including four of the ten aliens from the television series: Diamondhead, Grey Matter, Heatblast, and Wildmutt.

### Release

Another live-action movie, titled *Ben 10: Alien Swarm* premiered on Cartoon Network on November 25, 2009,  taking place during *Ben 10: Alien Force*.

## **Reception**

### Ratings

The film shattered Cartoon Network's record for the biggest television premiere to date, gathering a whopping 13 million viewers across it's Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

### Awards

The film was nominated by the 2008 *Visual Effects Society Awards* for '*Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Miniseries, Movie, or Special*', after a VFX compilation submission by the film's visual-effects artists Dina Benadon, Evan Jacobs, Brent Young, and Chris Christman.

The film was also nominated by the 2008 *Young Artist Awards* for '*Best Performance for a TV movie', Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special - Supporting Young Actor*', and '*Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special - Supporting Young Actress*'.

## **Trivia**

* Alex Winter, the director of the film, played teenage slacker Bill S. Preston in the beloved stoner-comedy *Bill & Ted* film series.
	+ Winter also played the zombified Constantine Jacobs in this film as a director's cameo.
* The fanatic, rock cover of the original show' intro was sung and performed by rock guitarist, Jimmy Coup.
	+ Andy Sturmer, the theme's original writer, was given a "Written By" credit in the opening.
* In *Ben 10: Ultimate Alien*, it was revealed that the film's villain, Eon was actually Ben from an alternate universe, also revealing that the movie's canon takes place in a different dimension.