“Final Exam,” released in 1981, holds the distinction of being the initial slasher film set on a college campus—though “Black Christmas” from 1974, which centered around a sorority, preceded it. This movie arrived before “Night School” and “The Prowler,” both also featuring campus settings, and shortly before the European slasher “Pieces.” These films helped open the door for later college-themed horror movies like the "Urban Legends" series (1998, 2000 & 2005). A group of students in North Carolina are getting ready to take their final exams when a mysterious killer begins targeting them. Some viewers find fault with “Final Exam” because it spends a significant portion—roughly the first hour—focusing on everyday college life before the killings begin. I didn’t see this as a problem, though; it allowed me to become familiar with the characters, who are fairly standard: the intelligent and pure girl, the nerdy guy, the aggressive athlete, the attractive woman who is aware of her appeal and uses it to her advantage, the ditzy blonde preoccupied with romance, the weak pledge, and the natural leader. Another complaint leveled against the film is that the killer lacks a mask and any discernible personality or motive. However, I think not having a disguise actually makes the movie feel more grounded, as a bulky mask would be impractical for someone trying to kill effectively. Furthermore, there’s a theme present about a seemingly random psycho who appears without warning and commits senseless acts of violence—a parallel that some might draw to the Texas Tower Sniper incident at the University of Texas in Austin on August 1, 1966. Considering recent events like the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton last weekend, it’s unsettling to contemplate how one would prepare for such an attack or increase their odds of survival. “Final Exam” touches upon these kinds of concerns. With a budget of $374,000 in 1981, the film has a low-budget, TV movie feel, despite containing graphic murders, some bloodshed, and brief nudity. The running time is 1 hour and 29 minutes, and filming took place at Isothermal Community College, located just south of Spindale, North Carolina. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB