As handled by Hill, the sensationalistic elements seem both natural and marginal. Grier as Foxy would be fun to watch even if she kept her clothes on and her claws in.

This is fun action sleaze from the classic era of drive-in blaxploitation films, driven by the no-nonsense direction of Jack Hill, and did well enough at the box office to help put the still-gorgeous Pam Grier on the map. Don't miss it.

The film is dated, but its mixed message -- and its potential to offend virtually everyone -- still makes it a powerful discussion starter.

Even with the critical reevaluation given to blaxploitation flicks in recent decades, Foxy Brown is still viewed as a lesser entry. Yet I dug it.