Rating: 
Summary: She's the meanest DVD in town!
Review: "Coffy" (1973) made Pam Grier a star, "Foxy Brown" (1974) clearly shows why Grier became a star. "Foxy Brown" simply distills Grier's star qualities and uses them to their fullest potential, and by star qualities, I'm not just referring to her ample bosom. In "Foxy Brown" Grier is an abused, violated madwoman out for revenge at all costs, she doesn't just chew up the scenery, she obliterates it. But that's exactly why we love Grier. She's beautiful, sultry and she can kick a whole lotta ass! As far as I'm concerned, she IS the screen's original action heroine and this vehicle best showcases her talents as an action star. Unlike "Coffy," "Foxy Brown" doesn't give Grier much chance to flex her acting muscles, but it features Grier down and dirty: Foxy ransacks apartments, beats up hostile lesbians, gouges eyes, burns men alive, emasculates (literally and figuratively), and even pulls firearms out of her perfectly coifed afro. "Foxy Brown" is lurid, wildly sadistic, absolutely over-the-top and a cult film classic for those very reasons. "Coffy" may be the better film, but "Foxy Brown" is more enjoyable. So how does "Foxy Brown" fare on DVD? Well, the disc is an absolute revelation. Not since the film's theatrical debut has it looked this good. The previous full-frame transfer used for the videocassette and laserdisc was atrocious, featuring jaundiced flesh tones, excessively saturated colors, dark murky interiors, ruined compositions, and horrifically over-enhanced edges. The new, anamorphically-enhanced widescreen transfer is luminous. Compositions are correctly preserved with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, no more distracting headroom and a bit of picture information is added to the sides. The interiors now reveal wood paneling, earth-toned wallpaper and maroon curtains, unlike the previous transfer which rendered almost everything black or dark brown. The flesh tones are finally natural and the film's colors are brought down to a comprehensible saturation level, but don't worry, the 70's fashions are still a bright kaleidoscope of tawdriness. The sharpness is pleasing; edge-enhancement never rears its ugly head and the film's skies are at last blue. Gone is the olive and yellow sunlight. Film grain is noticeable in some dark scenes and there are a few source defects. Considering this is a low-budget exploitation film made in 1974, the source element is almost pristine. Compression on the disc is not so pristine, however. Some dark, shadowy areas and dissolves are frequently subject to tiling artifacts, but for a retail price of only $14.95, who can complain? Supplements include the amusing theatrical trailer ("Foxy's got guts: no ifs, ands, or buts!") and an enlightening commentary track by director Jack Hill who repeatedly describes the toils of working with AIP (American International Pictures) on this film, which he has said was one of his worst film-making experiences. The monaural sound on the disc is commendable; dialogue is always intelligible and the bass level makes Willie Hutch's score sound just as funky as it was 27 years ago. Jack Hill created Pam Grier her own sub-genre with "Coffy" and "Foxy Brown" and when she left it after 1976's dismal "Friday Foster," no one took her place...no one ever could. "Foxy Brown" is the ultimate Pam Grier action vehicle, a blaxploitation classic and a great DVD! If you have only seen "Foxy Brown" on videocassette or laserdisc, you haven't seen "Foxy" at all.
Rating:
Summary: Nitty Gritty
Review: "Foxy Brown" is not Pam Grier's career-making role (Why? I do not know), but it is one of my favorties. Pam Grier portray's a very independent woman who seeks revenge for her late soul-mate. Launching an underground war on the drug ring of her mans killer, Foxy definelty lets her presence be known. Sporting some eye-opening fashion with even more eye-widening action sequences, Foxy Brown has it all. She's basically all of the 70's "Charlie's Angels" rolled into one beautiful African-American package. Buy this movie if you love hardcore, raw action, rent this movie if you don't have enough to buy it, or pass up on the movie if you can't handle the truth!
Rating:
Summary: She's the meanest DVD in town!
Review: "Coffy" (1973) made Pam Grier a star, "Foxy Brown" (1974) clearly shows why Grier became a star. "Foxy Brown" simply distills Grier's star qualities and uses them to their fullest potential, and by star qualities, I'm not just referring to her ample bosom. In "Foxy Brown" Grier is an abused, violated madwoman out for revenge at all costs, she doesn't just chew up the scenery, she obliterates it. But that's exactly why we love Grier. She's beautiful, sultry and she can kick a whole lotta ass! As far as I'm concerned, she IS the screen's original action heroine and this vehicle best showcases her talents as an action star. Unlike "Coffy," "Foxy Brown" doesn't give Grier much chance to flex her acting muscles, but it features Grier down and dirty: Foxy ransacks apartments, beats up hostile lesbians, gouges eyes, burns men alive, emasculates (literally and figuratively), and even pulls firearms out of her perfectly coifed afro. "Foxy Brown" is lurid, wildly sadistic, absolutely over-the-top and a cult film classic for those very reasons. "Coffy" may be the better film, but "Foxy Brown" is more enjoyable. So how does "Foxy Brown" fare on DVD? Well, the disc is an absolute revelation. Not since the film's theatrical debut has it looked this good. The previous full-frame transfer used for the videocassette and laserdisc was atrocious, featuring jaundiced flesh tones, excessively saturated colors, dark murky interiors, ruined compositions, and horrifically over-enhanced edges. The new, anamorphically-enhanced widescreen transfer is luminous. Compositions are correctly preserved with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, no more distracting headroom and a bit of picture information is added to the sides. The interiors now reveal wood paneling, earth-toned wallpaper and maroon curtains, unlike the previous transfer which rendered almost everything black or dark brown. The flesh tones are finally natural and the film's colors are brought down to a comprehensible saturation level, but don't worry, the 70's fashions are still a bright kaleidoscope of tawdriness. The sharpness is pleasing; edge-enhancement never rears its ugly head and the film's skies are at last blue. Gone is the olive and yellow sunlight. Film grain is noticeable in some dark scenes and there are a few source defects. Considering this is a low-budget exploitation film made in 1974, the source element is almost pristine. Compression on the disc is not so pristine, however. Some dark, shadowy areas and dissolves are frequently subject to tiling artifacts, but for a retail price of only $14.95, who can complain? Supplements include the amusing theatrical trailer ("Foxy's got guts: no ifs, ands, or buts!") and an enlightening commentary track by director Jack Hill who repeatedly describes the toils of working with AIP (American International Pictures) on this film, which he has said was one of his worst film-making experiences. The monaural sound on the disc is commendable; dialogue is always intelligible and the bass level makes Willie Hutch's score sound just as funky as it was 27 years ago. Jack Hill created Pam Grier her own sub-genre with "Coffy" and "Foxy Brown" and when she left it after 1976's dismal "Friday Foster," no one took her place...no one ever could. "Foxy Brown" is the ultimate Pam Grier action vehicle, a blaxploitation classic and a great DVD! If you have only seen "Foxy Brown" on videocassette or laserdisc, you haven't seen "Foxy" at all.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful...but deadly!
Review: Ahhh, this movie is a lot of fun. Lots of action, snappy dialog, and loads and loads of funk. All of this and Pam Grier...a beautiful woman who wasn't afraid to show it...this is your basic revenge story, with Foxy going after the drug syndicate that killed her boyfriend and her brother. What's really funny is this syndicate is mainly comprised of a creepy female leader, her pretty boy, philandering, racist boyfriend/number 2 in charge, and two sadistic, incompentent henchmen. Not much of a gang, but they do manage to throw in a few more guys here and there. All in all, a fun movie of this genre, better than most. To miss this one "would be a tragedy of the most diemensional proportions."
Rating:
Summary: Trashy, but fun.
Review: Blaxploitation films of the 1970's never claimed to be either socially conscious or for the politically correct. Yet, they're not without their place in pop culture. Although many people prefer "Coffy," "Foxy Brown" is my favorite Pam Grier picture. Although they could have done a slighly better job with the transfer, fans of 1970s action won't even think of missing this DVD. Trashy fun.
Rating:
Summary: Hidden Treasure
Review: Both at the time of it's 1974 release--and today, this movie has received harsh criticism from critics too eager to consign it to history's trash heap. This is rather unfortunate because the low-budget screenplay has much to offer American society. Yes, there is a large amount of violence and sexual scenes throughout Pam Grier's star vehicle, but "blaxploitation" movies were not designed to show the world as pristine and sweet. Instead, the gritty plot (and ironically, the retrospective filming tecniques) remind the audience that the world isn't always safe and there are people who do have a "rough life" but can and do hold their own in that world. On top of that, the protagonists actively dedicate themselves to stopping the injustice without appology or compromise. For the cultural studies or social scientist, the film also shines by allowing us to see race, socioecconomic status and gender issues continously explored throughout the release. Even if wardrobe and props look severely dated, the screen play's plot (and subsequently raised "food for thought") has kept it's relevancy. When Foxy goes undercover in Ms. Katherine's harem, she finds the clients are white male politicians, a commentary on power exploitation that ironically resurfaced with Anita Hill's treatment before the US Senate Judiciary Committee many years later. Indeed, when Foxy is fighting men, the antagonist is usally white, ecconomically poweful, and sexually lecherous. At the same time, both a reference to disabled people as "cripple" (disability rights had not yet permeated the nation in 1974)and caricature of most lesbians (sans a sympathetic bystander in the bar)as evil and sadistic virtually guarantee this movie cannot ever be classified as a "politically correct" production. Individuals watching this feature need to take the above scenes with a grain of salt. Still, despite portions of the screen play, and over the top 70's fashion, it is a cut far above such white "camp" as the 60's Batman feature film or the 1992 introduction to Buffy. If you want strong women, get a hold of this movie.
Rating: 
Summary: A Cornerstone of the Blaxploitation Movement
Review: For better or worse, this movie is a classic.
As is the case with most of the blaxploitation
genre, if you're looking for depth and artistic
value, good luck and keep moving. But if you're in
the market for thoughtless, fun media,
BINGO!!!
I actually like this film, mainly because it is
a showcase for Pam Grier. She combines brutal, sometimes
psychotic strenth with a vulnerable, loveable sweetness.
She evokes compassion while also satifsying the viewer's
need for vicarious revenge. Furthermore, the ample display
of flesh leaves no question that she is indeed a Woman
foremost, and a vengeful psychopath second.
Some of the scenes in this film are too long and take away from the total action. And although there is sufficient violence, I still wish we could see a more physical Foxy.
The fight sequences are basic and rudimentary.
Also, the final scene where she gets revenge
against the Lady Pimp is great! It is also a big
letdown because by this point in the film our
claws are sharpened, our fangs are bared, and
we're all panting for blood. And all we get is a flesh wound and poetic symbolism ("Death is too good for you , BITCH!! I want you to suffer.....) Oh well.
Overall, I would recommend this film. It's a fun flick.
With all of its faults you still won't be disappointed.
Buy this.
Rating:
Summary: Tarantino's cult textbook
Review: Foxy Brown, the 'sequel' of Coffy, stars Pam Grier and delivers a forceful addition to the 'blaxploitation' genre. Foxy is a fighter. Backed against the wall by a feared drug cartel, she comes out swinging with fierce vengence and the determination to rid the streets of scum. A dual source of rage against the cartel unfolds: both her lover and then her brother are killed by them. A woman scorned is an understatement. Foxy is on a mission and the only resolve is either the cartel's demise or her own. Foxy Brown proves to be a whirlwind of action that relentlessly churns throughout the film. Director Jack Hill is an auteur of low-budget, eye-opening cinematography. He knows how to write/direct with a sense of honesty and cleverly blends sympathy and vigilante empathy. The print is gorgeous and well-rendered. The soundtrack by Willie Hutch helps to enhance the journey. The Hill commentary is priceless. A must for anyone who is either interested in blaxploitaion or wants to find out where Tarantino found his inspiration for Jackie Brown. Aside from the obvious nod found in the title, many of the cinematic techniques/plot developments clearly prove to be Tarantino's textbook of hard-hitting, ghetto realism. Foxy Brown not only epitomizes the important cinematic contributions of blaxploitation films but also shows that a good film can be made without pandering to the mainstream.
Rating:
Summary: Great Pulp!!
Review: Great DVD. Beautiful, widescreen picture and a fun story. You don't measure a movie like this by "Citizen Kane" standards; you measure it by Joe Bob drive-in standards; and by that measure, "Foxy Brown" makes the grade. You get Foxy bullwhipped around the neck and dragged; you get the riot scene in the ... bar; you get the judge humiliated by call girls before the ladies auxiliary; you get Foxy shooting her two-timing, dope-selling brother in the ear. Oh, it gets better, but you'll have to see the movie to find out how.
Rating:
Summary: Jack Hill's Excellent Commentary Track
Review: I bought this DVD and listened to Jack Hill's Commentary Track (I've seen the movie MANY times). Hill's coments are very informative and on track. He talks about the history of Blaxploitation and also of working with Mantan Moreland on SPIDER BABY and mentions how much the civil rights movement hurt the careers of black actors like Moreland who made a career with the stereotypical roles that civil rights leaders declared "demeaning"...very interesting stuff. Hill offers some good insight into Pam Grier (this was supposed to be a sequel to COFFY)... The DVD looks and sounds great. If anyone is not familiar with Blaxploitation films of teh 70's, this is the PERFECT place to start.
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