The new Superman movie “Man of Steel” lived up to its hype as it topped the box office faster than a speeding bullet in the opening weekend.  Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot set a record this weekend when it reached over $125 million in ticket sales, making it the highest earning June premiere in history.

Batman’s Christopher Nolan produced the film, which almost guaranteed that it would be successful.  The reboot of the Superman franchise comes seven years after “Superman Returns,” which was well-received, but the studio felt it didn’t have enough ticket sales to warrant a sequel. As a comparison, “Superman Returns” only brought in $52.5 million in its opening weekend, less than half of what “Man of Steel” earned.

Six years later plans for “Man of Steel” were announced, which has an all-new cast.  British newcomer Henry Cavill takes on the role of Superman/Clark Kent/Kal-El and Oscar winner Amy Adams plays Lois Lane.  The film has some other big name stars with Russell Crowe (Jor-El, Superman’s dad), Diane Lane and Kevin Costner (the Kents) and Michael Shannon (General Zod).

“Man of Steel” focuses on Clark Kent and his journey to accepting his identity and struggle to try to fit in on Earth while keeping his powers a secret.  The film opens with the events on Krypton that led to baby Kal-El being sent to Earth.  Throughout the film flashbacks are shown of Superman’s childhood with the Kents as he learns about his powers.  General Zod comes to Earth to find Kal-El/Superman and wipe out all humans in an effort to create a new Krypton.  With Lois Lane’s help, Superman takes on the task of protecting the human race.

The reviews for “Man of Steel” have been mixed so far, but 82 percent of people who have watched it have liked it, according to Rotten Tomatoes.  Some of the critics have complained that the film wasn’t very funny and that Cavill’s Superman was too dark while others think it is the best Superman film to date.  Critic Kevin A. Ranson had the following to say about the movie: “Forget all of the Supermen of the past. Like it or not, purists, Man of Steel is the kind of theatrical reboot Superman has needed for a while.”

Superman fans that couldn’t make it to the opening weekend will be happy to know that there is a “Man of Steel” game available on their mobile devices.  If the film continues its success, it has the potential to be one of the higher grossing films of all time.