Cutting Class (1989)

Cutting Class is the kind of late-’80s slasher that wins you over with attitude: it’s brisk, a little goofy on purpose, and proudly “chipper” even as the body count rises, like a high school prank that keeps escalating into something nastier. What makes it special is how it leans into an unconventional blend of horror, comedy, and whodunit tension, keeping you guessing while never taking itself too seriously. The movie’s energy carries you through the rough edges, and when it hits its final stretch, it finds a surprisingly strong groove that feels sharper and more satisfying than you’d expect from its reputation. It’s not for viewers who want polished scares or prestige filmmaking, but if you’re in the mood for a distinctive, offbeat slasher with a playful streak, it’s an easy, entertaining watch.

Cutting Class is clearly aiming for a cheeky, teen-slasher whodunit with a side of dark comedy, and it wants you to enjoy the trashy fun of not knowing which boy is the real threat. The problem is the tone swings wildly—one minute it’s trying to be creepy, the next it’s going for goofy laughs—and it rarely finds a rhythm, so scenes can feel more awkward than entertaining. If you’re hoping for tight suspense, smart mystery plotting, or comedy that actually lands, this will probably feel disjointed and a bit embarrassing. But if you have a high tolerance for late-’80s B-movie silliness, don’t mind uneven acting and logic, and just want a messy curiosity piece, there’s some guilty-pleasure value in watching it stumble.