Kelly's Hollywood (2015) User Reviews

Absolutely loved Kelly and Brian's Story

[lschuh-73978 · 9/10 · 5 October 2018]

This documentary was a beautiful story about a brother's love and hopes for his younger sister, who just happens to have Down syndrome. You are laughing one minute and crying the next.

Must see this feel good movie

[tarullirocco · 9/10 · 4 September 2018]

A story of a brother's love for his special sister and how he made her dreams come true. I wish we had more true to life stories like this.

Celeb cameo filled heartwarming film about Hollywood dreams

[tempany · 8/10 · 22 October 2017]

In this surprisingly funny and heartwarming movie, a brother supports his sister with Down Syndrome in her dream of becoming a Hollywood star. It's layered and fascinating - we see the smoke and mirrors of him pretending she's shooting TV shows (with real stars on real sets mind you), but then when her health starts to fail, he really does create a one woman show for her to perform in. It becomes a bit of a thriller - will she pull it off for real? A great look into how we could all be better siblings/more caring about the people we love no matter who they are. Some great cameos from David Hasselhoff, Colin Firth and the cast of Cold Case.

A Must See

[sally-00675 · 10/10 · 28 March 2015]

It was so incredibly touching to see the relationship between Brian and his sister Kelly. Kelly had an infectious personality and was determined in everything she did. Brian is just as determined and he did everything he could to help Kelly reach her dreams as well as his own. Their Mom, Dad, brother and Brian's wife as well as all of their friends are there to do everything they could to help Brian make all things possible for Kelly. You will laugh and cry as you become intertwined in this relationship as you hope for all things possible for Kelly. This is an once in a lifetime movie experience you will only regret if you don't take the time to see.

Outstanding

[justinwroot-24808 · 10/10 · 15 March 2015]

I saw this at the LA premiere and cannot wait to see it again and share with friends. Absolutely heartbreaking and uplifting and joyous and inspirational all at once. It stayed with me for weeks after I saw it. It needs to get a release somewhere so everyone else can partake. A truly moving experience. There were so many surprise elements too that I didn't see coming and the reaction from the audience was terrific. You learn so much from Kelly and her family and even if this isn't something you can specifically relate to you find within yourself elements of her and the family. I can't rave enough. Really grateful I got to see it.

All you need is love...

[careyfamily1223 · 10/10 · 28 December 2016]

Kelly's Hollywood was exactly what we needed to see last week.We laughed, we cried, we were inspired! Follow along as Kelly's brother Brian works to make her Hollywood dreams come true. You'll start at the beginning and meet the family that grew up in Buffalo, NY. When Brian moves to Hollywood to pursue his dreams he works just as hard to make sure Kelly also has her moment to shine in the spotlight. Each year Kelly spends two months with her brother enjoying everyday life and looking for her favorite Hollywood crushes. Persistence pays off as the two meet The Bee Gee's, Danny Pino, Colin Firth and many others. Over the years the pair goes from singing and dancing with friends to a "this is your life" style show with Kelly's name finally in lights on the marquee. Together, they will inspire you to live life with passion and most importantly love. This is a heartwarming film that your entire family will enjoy.

Unrivaled sibling love

[iparrothead · 10/10 · 26 March 2015]

This film so deeply moved me. I too have a sibling with Down Syndrome and this hit very close to home with me. My sister and Kelly have very similar personalities and I think the film shows exactly what having a special needs sibling is like. Mostly, it's just like any other sibling. Down Syndrome does not have to have a negative impact on a family. In fact this films proves the opposite. Brian has a special bond with Kelly and is a brother to her most will wish they had. They were incredibly blessed to have each other. Kelly, well she is so special in her own light that you can't help but to love her. This is a delightful film that will touch your heart, make you laugh, and open your eyes.

This Movie Shook My Heart Like A Snow Globe

[cinas-1 · 10/10 · 20 June 2016]

I had the privilege of seeing this wonderful film, Kelly's Hollywood by Brian Donovan, in the Dances With Films Festival in Hollywood. It shook my heart like a snow globe and caused flurries of laughter, tears, hope and renewed my faith in what's possible. It's the kind of story telling that inspires all who see it to be better, play harder, laugh more, live more fully and to love wholeheartedly and to NEVER STOP DREAMING. Congratulations to the film maker. You mastered this thing that is so very, very hard to do---and to the heroine Kelly Donavon. I wish Kelly's Hollywood movie screens everywhere. #seethisfilm #kellyshollywood #downsyndromeawareness #laughandcryandlaughsomemore

Misses its own point entirely

[catebaum · 6/10 · 28 August 2018]

A fascinating chronicle of a family dealing with a sister with Down Syndrome, but not for the reasons cited on most of these reviews. I watched this because I have worked with Down Syndrome adults for a number of years, hoping to see a family who deal with this disability with aplomb. Oh dear...The film's creator, Brian Donovan, and the friends who have left reviews here on IMDB have not addressed the most compelling aspect of this story: that Brian and Kelly have an entirely obsessive, unhealthy, and inappropriate adult relationship, and force their adoration for each other on everyone around them without considering the consequences. There are flickers of the truth in his roommate's annoyance screened by a polite face on camera, several ex-girlfriends saying that Brian would alternate with Kelly in sleeping arrangements with them, and his mom's patient suggestions that maybe he should get a life and stop making her fly across the country to indulge this compulsive behavior - I'd eat my hat if his mom is happy with her life. Both he and his father are utterly disrespectful of Mom, the dad pulling "she's insane" faces as if it's funny when she's trying to tell them how she feels, and nobody listens. Kelly, as a result, is a spoiled brat. This family is so deluded, for example, a lawyer cousin tells us a story where Kelly sent a legal letter from him to a supervisor she crushed on accusing him of sexual abuse. The family found this endearing! Imagine the poor supervisor! Down Syndrome people aren't stupid, sexless, or cute, and yet Kelly is treated this way constantly, and gets away with near-murder with Brian, who coos and ahs at her at every turn. There's nothing "amazing" about her, she's just his sister, but he embarrasses everyone constantly by forcing her on his friends, agents, and even film and TV stars, who feel obliged to come to a ridiculous event "celebrating" her talents, which sorry, are non-existent. His career must be in the pan because of this obsession. This is car-crash watching, and I doubt Brian and his family have ever come to terms with their Munchausen-esque behaviour towards their disabled family member, who they patronized into a corner until she was sexless, friendless, and lonely to a fault, as they ended up treating a 39-year-old as if she was a child, even though she could drive and work a job, and had ideas of her own, a creative streak and a wicked sense of humor. I really hope this Brian doesn't have a daughter, it would be hellish. Temphany his wife is the unsung hero of this film, not Kelly. What A STAR she is! Wow, saint-like patience with this weird situation. Hope they all go to therapy now Kelly has passed... Goes in the box with "Grey Gardens" and "Mini" for me. Narcissism gone wild.

A beautiful gem of a film that will inspire you to love and live more fully!

[evelyne-8 · 10/10 · 23 October 2017]

This beautiful gem of a film will inspire you to love and live more fully. When Brian an actor in Hollywood wants to make his sister with Down syndrome dreams come true, he does everything in his power to make her life rich and full. This film will pull at your heartstrings, have you think about the limiting perceptions we hold because someone is "different" when really love is the only language we need. This film reminds us of just that! There is conflict in this documentary too that will keep you riveted as to how this beautiful family shares, loves and lives.

A Must See!

[dcollins-44734 · 10/10 · 26 July 2017]

Kelly's Hollywood was real - real heartwarming, real emotional, real inspiring, real funny and real life. The incredible real story of a brother and sister who shared a bond and a love for each other that few ever have the privilege to experience.

Do yourself and favor and sit down, with friends and family, and experience the life of Kelly Donovan. You will laugh, your will cry, but mostly you will smile and you will never be the same again!

If we could all love this profoundly....

[thomas-262-555924 · 10/10 · 29 June 2018]

Brian is truly the change he'd wants to see in the world! ...and I want to live in that world. Bravo! This is a beautiful film that celebrates the spirit of an amazing woman, a inspiring brother and an incredible family.

See this film! It will fill your heart and reaffirm your belief in humanity.

Perfect for everyone

[margograff · 10/10 · 30 September 2018]

This lovely film is a love story between a brother who is mission is to make his sisters dream being a star in Hollywood come true. An absolute must see for everyone of all ages.

Like riding an emotional roller coaster

[lonniegrote · 10/10 · 5 October 2018]

Kelly's Hollywood is thought provoking in so many ways, not only making us aware of the challenges of others different abilities, but taking us to different levels of love, joy, sadness, jealousy and so many other emotions. I recommend this to anyone who might enjoy riding an emotional roller coaster for an hour and eight minutes.

A moving love story

[markyourcalendarproductions · 9/10 · 5 September 2018]

Kelly and Brian Donovan were utterly devoted to each other as siblings and best friends. The depth of love that they shared is evident in almost every frame of this documentary, making it an exceptional viewing entertainment suitable for ages 6 and up. That Kelly was a special needs adult is secondary to the journey Brian Donovan takes us on as he attempts, quite successfully, to understand what the price and rewards are for greatest of life's gifts--unconditional love. In a time as crass as the one we are now in I can't think of better film to get people back in touch with their own humanity.

A beautiful, moving, and incredible story

[serenaentezary · 10/10 · 7 November 2022]

Brian Donovan is not only a wonderful director and storyteller, but also a wonderful human being! He tells the story of his love for his family. His story is unique not because of how his sister had a disability, but because of how he worked tirelessly to make his sister's dreams come true, and then he did it! If you want a good cry, this is the movie for you. The love for his sister was what led to him and her overcoming the odds in so many ways. This is a documentary where he discusses something that so many people deal with - codependence, especially in the role as a caretaker. But he did what he could to take a healthy approach and to make his relationships stronger. This movie really touched my heart and my life, especially since I have a family member with disabilities. It was beautifully done.

Life Changing!

[bogeyone-63800 · 9/10 · 17 November 2019]

I first saw KH last spring at a conference I attended last Spring... and have watched it several times with family & friends. My BFF has a son- 'Patrick' with Ds who just turned 14... He is a silver lining in our community & we can't go anywhere without someone knowing him. He has affected lives in countless ways, much like Kelly Donovan.

This documentary of Kelly's life was loving, humorous, informative, inspiring, emotional & a truly beautiful organic example of a person with Down Syndrome- our world needs more 'Kelly's' to break boundaries & show those with no connection to a person with Down Syndrome that they are not disabled, their abilities are limitless... The Down Syndrome community doesn't want your pity or your apology, the Ds community wants your acceptance - given through inclusion...

I have since purchased this movie & am proud to own it & share it with others... It is not a documentary it is a heart warming entertaining piece of theater!!

Heart wrenching, uplifting, personal

[jmung-62683 · 10/10 · 1 June 2023]

A true story that reminds us that behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, lies human beings who are just the same as us. This documentary hits closer to home as I also have a family member with Down syndrome, and this film shines a beautiful light on the life of one such human being. Uplifting attitudes, strained relationships, and ultimately a love story between siblings. This is a film that definitely sticks with you and makes you better for it. I hope that others can experience the film, a film to share with family, friends, and loved ones.

I hope more people hear about this movie and can experience the message that this movie conveys. This is one I'm sharing with others, and for only 3 dollars to rent. It's a crime not to watch it.

Inspiring Film and Inclusion Revolution

[dmholland-03708 · 10/10 · 11 March 2019]

This film is amazing. The strive for inclusion revolution is so prevalent in this film. Brian Donovan is a great director for this film. He made Kelly's dream come true and this is the story of it all. It is a must watch!!

Inspiring

[heather-80832 · 10/10 · 11 June 2020]

What an amazing film revealing the life of a woman with Down syndrome and her struggles of how she becomes a true star in Hollywood. Director/Actor Brian Donovan nails it. We had tears watching this film..... a must see for everyone!

An uplifting, heartfelt reminder of what truly matters.

[jenniefahn · 9/10 · 29 March 2019]

Brian Donovan shares a touching, heartfelt tribute to a person that many who are branded as 'typical' would not have had the privilege of meeting. His pure, unadulterated love for his sister Kelly - a person as pure and unfiltered as anyone can possibly be - is a reminder that everyone deserves love, care, respect, happiness, kindness, and to be made to feel special now and then. Along the way, we also meet the other people in Brian's life - his mother, his father (who happens to also have a disability), and his wonderful cast of friends, roommates, and the women who would like to be more permanent partners. Brian has a lot of love to give - but in this wonderfully human and honest film, the relationships reveal that love can be complicated and not always easily shared. Ultimately, the film will fill your heart and serve as a reminder that star power does not come from what you look or sound like on the outside, but from the joy you bring to others from your heart.

This film will make you cry (but in a good way)

[sarahb-78422 · 10/10 · 18 November 2023]

Kelly's Hollywood was a movie we've been meaning to watch. We decided to sit down tonight, put our phones and any distractions away, and watch fully immersed in this documentary. By the end of the movie, it really gripped me to a point where I sat crying at how beautiful love can truly be between, not only brother and sister, but also among those who come altogether to make someone's dream come true. With busy schedules and life constantly on-the-go, it makes it hard for someone to stop and realize what life is truly all about, but Kelly's Hollywood did just that. How we can all be a little more kind every day to one another, and how short life truly is. Thank you to everyone in the film for your role in sharing such a beautiful and touching story with the world. As soon as we finished it, I made a donation to NDSS, National Down Syndrome Society. Thank you, Kelly and Brian, for sharing your love with all of us.

I enjoyed every minute of this film!!!

[nokscion · 10/10 · 30 May 2024]

"Kelly's Story" is an absolute triumph, capturing the essence of pure joy and unbridled passion. Kelly's zest for life and infectious energy truly illuminate the screen. It's now clear why she is the inspiration behind such greatness-she is the very fuel that drives it.

Her story is a mesmerizing blend of laughter and tears, and her charismatic presence is nothing short of enchanting. Kelly's performance is a masterclass in entertainment; she had me laughing uncontrollably one moment and tearing up the next.

One standout highlight is her rendition of "Cool Rider," a performance so captivating that I haven't been able to stop singing it since. "Kelly's Story" isn't just a film-it's an emotional journey that leaves you moved and uplifted.

A must watch for your whole family!

[manvanwsnc · 10/10 · 13 January 2019]

One of our favorite movies as a family. It has such an important message of inclusion and should be watched my students at every school. We feel like we know Kelly personally and her story is a must see!

The bond between siblings

[raftgirl-74784 · 10/10 · 8 May 2023]

Kelly's Hollywood was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so grateful it was. It's the story of the bond between a man and his sister and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to give her some of the things she wanted, and the struggle that ensued while searching for the one thing he truly wanted. Being the youngest of 11 myself (both parents had children before they had me), I imagined myself in Brian's shoes and Kelly's as well and understood how each of them must have felt. There are few things as strong as the relationship between siblings and I'm glad that this one was shared with all of us through this film.

Highly recommend!