Ep. 39: Jimmy Huston's "Final Exam" (1981)

Screams & Streams

How does a slasher film flop so spectacularly that it becomes a cult classic? Join us on Screams and Streams as we explore the enigma that is Jimmy Huston's 1981 horror flick, "Final Exam." The action takes place at a small North Carolina college, where students find themselves targeted by a mysterious killer during their exam break. We kick things off with our initial impressions, critiquing the film's shaky attempt to blend college comedy with the slasher genre and noting its struggle to mimic "Halloween" due to poor writing and acting. Our sinister sip for this episode, the Scofflaw cocktail, left us feeling sour—literally—prompting us to suggest some tweaks for a better balance.
Prepare for a laugh as we recount the film's more absurd elements, from the killer's unmasked appearance to the cringe-worthy joke about school shootings. It's hard not to mock the nonsensical decisions, like the implausible prank involving a fake shooting, which feels painfully out of place today. We draw comparisons to the meta-commentary style of "Scream," pointing out the lack of backstory and motivation for the killer that makes "Final Exam" a perplexing watch. We also highlight moments that are so bad they're almost good, like the scene where the killer peers comically through a windshield.
As we dissect the standout and cringe-worthy moments, we can't help but commend the heroine's determination and the noteworthy gym fight that wraps up the film. From the lack of empathy shown during a killing scene to an actor enduring real ice water for a prank, we cover it all. We delve into fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits, such as the film being shot in sequence and the reckless safety practices on set, providing a glimpse into the chaos of low-budget filmmaking. So tune in for a chuckle, some eye-rolls, and a deeper appreciation for the wild, flawed world of "Final Exam.

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Chapters

1. Episode Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Film Intro & Plot Summary (00:00:38)

3. Sinister Sip (00:01:02)

4. First Impressions (00:01:54)

5. Tropes Hall of Shame (00:03:40)

6. One Liners (00:07:58)

7. What Doesn't Hold Up? (00:11:37)

8. Most Gratuitous Scene (00:19:47)

9. Terrifying or Titillating (00:22:32)

10. Stood the Test of Time (00:23:08)

11. Eerie to Ear Splitting (00:26:05)

12. WTF? Moment (00:27:42)

13. Back It Up Moments (00:28:10)

14. Hiding In the Shadows (00:29:12)

15. Bonus Features (00:32:00)

16. Watchability Scale (00:36:52)