Back in 1992, there was an independent film produced called, “The Green Goblin’s Last Stand.” It was originally intended as a demo-reel for James Cameron, who at the time was slated to direct a big budget Spider-Man movie. In a very short period of time the movie generated a tremendous amount of worldwide interest, reaching certified ‘cult’ status. Those who’ve seen it have considered it to be one of the most faithful adaptations of any Spider-Man story to date and it has been the subject of many favorable reviews over the years. “The Green Goblin’s Last Stand” was the dream project of Baltimore native Dan Poole, and was filmed with an unbelievably low budget. Poole, who on top of portraying Peter Parker / Spider-Man, was also the screenwriter, producer, director, editor and stunt choreographer. He spent over 14 months shooting and countless weeks editing, the whole time exhibiting his uncanny ability to get the most out of every available resource. Poole was the ultimate Spider-Man fan doing what most people only dream of doing… bringing his hero to life.

Coming in at just under an hour, “The Green Goblin’s Last Stand” is one of the best independent super-hero films I have ever seen. The low budget I mentioned before was a miniscule $500, but nevertheless Poole’s film could give Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” a run for its money. Where Raimi’s big-budget film succeeded in fancy special effects, Poole’s no-budget film succeeds in pure devotion to the character.

Based on the original comic book storyline “The Death of Gwen Stacy”, “The Green Goblin’s Last Stand” deals with the escape of Norman Osbourne from a mental institution and his revenge against Spider-Man. He feels that Spider-Man took everything away from him, now he wants to return the favor.

Everything about this production screams low budget. Sound editing problems abound, the look of some of the locations sketchy, etc… Absolutely none of that matters, “The Green Goblin’s Last Stand” moves quickly and Poole gets everything right. Where you would even expect the acting to be under whelming, it is exactly the opposite. Poole plays Spider-Man / Peter Parker much better than he admits to in interviews and Jimi Kinstle as Norman Osbourne/Green Goblin is at times a bit over the top, but plays the role with an almost frightening insanity. Even the special effects are incredibly impressive, again considering the budgetary restrictions.

One of the newer projects to come out of Poole’s Alpha Dog Productions is the documentary feature “The Real Spider-Man: The Making of The Green Goblin’s Last Stand.” This recent NoDance Film Festival winner for Best Documentary gives an excellent look at all the hard work that goes into making an independent film.

“The Making of The Green Goblins Last Stand” is a thoroughly entertaining and exceptionally enjoyable film. I was completely blown away by the whole thing. Using interviews, an extensive amount of behind-the-scenes footage and blooper reels, Poole’s determination to ‘get every shot any way possible’ is shown as both obsessive as well as inspirational. His cast and crew are to be admired for their dedication and willingness to stick with him through thick and thin, never knowing what the final product might bring. As is always the sign of a good documentary, it made me want to see the original film again.

“The Making of The Green Goblin’s Last Stand” is a must-see for any young filmmaker wanting to make a movie and thinks it’ll be easy. I also highly recommend it to Spider-Man fans. It is available from Poole’e website in VHS or DVD format. However I recommend buying the DVD because the original film is included as a free bonus, as well as the 4-minute trailer that was sent to James Cameron .

Directed by: Dan Poole
Starring: Dan Poole, Jimi Kinstle, Allison Adams, Bob Tull
Extras: Original 1992 Video “The Green Goblin’s Last Stand”, 4 Minute Trailer Custom Made for James Cameron
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Alpha Dog Productions
Release Date: Available
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Real Spider-Man: The Making of the Green Goblin's Last Stand an A.