Hit So Hard

As a long-time fan of the band, I was completely riveted. I learned so much I didn't know. Patty went thru so much!!! Great interviews and a great film. The audience in the theater where I saw this were all totally into it. I had a real long talk with some other fans after the screening. We all agreed that "Hit So Hard" gave us more of an understanding of the band HOLE and also what it's like to be a woman drummer in the music business. I actually made some new friends! :) I recommend this film to anybody who is into HOLE or also drummers and women musicians. If this movie doesn't make you want to crank up your HOLE CDs then you don't like music. Just kidding. It's a real good movie.

Stirring rock documentary with themes of survival, redemption, and good old woman-power. What small-town girl doesn't have dreams of being in a rock band? But Patty Schemel actually went out and did it, on her own terms and without miniskirts and push-up bras.

The treasure trove of archival footage was fascinating on its own, but was well put to use in service of Schemel's story. I laughed out loud at her "typical drummer" goof-ball pranks, and some comical interview footage of her Hole band mates, but also teared up at several points during her descent and eventual triumph.

Ms. Schemel is not simply a female drummer who can keep a beat like the guys; her big heart beats throughout the documentary. I can't wait to see it again. She's a hero.

A film that focuses on Courtney Love's band Hole where Ms. Love is not the out-of-control one may seem like an unlikely premise. But the story of Hole drummer Patty Schemel's rise and fall (OUT of Hole) is beautifully done.

Growing up in a small town outside Seattle, it wasn't long before Schemel and her musician brother Larry became regular fixtures in the Seattle music scene. As the city was becoming the focal point for the new "alternative" movement, Patty and her friend Kurt Cobain were indulging in activities a bit more risky than music. Through home footage and interviews with all three band-mates and a who's who of influential female drummers, Hit So Hard tackles sexism in the music industry, the long and painful process of kicking drugs and the loneliness of being a young lesbian in a conservative town. But by looking at her life from so many facets, the film is ultimately uplifting, moving and powerful. Props to everyone involved. Best SXSW documentary this year.

This film, about a young woman finding her way in music and life, who just happened to be the drummer of the Epic Band HOLE during my younger years, made me see my own struggles, and had me cheering for her all the way. PATTY SCHEMEL ROCKS!!!

Cobain, Love, and Schemel made the ultimate alternative family. there was love, through it all. And today, love is alive.

Director P. David Ebersole takes a celebrity type story and paints a swirling life lived fully, yes roughly, and now admirably. Patty and her Alternative Family of Today are showing the world that young girls rock, need to rock, will rock, and should be supporting in their rocking. It's an important story. A big story. A personal story. A universal story.

I was expecting something pretty bad considering the bad reviews on it but I always like to make up my own mind. Good thing too because it's quite good. I heard about it listening to Patty's appearance on the I'd Hit That podcast (check it out) and she's quite interesting. I found her brother and mother to be touching, sad and honest too. Watch it.