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.
61 Reviews
Absolutely loved Kelly and Brian's Story
lschuh-739785 October 2018
Must see this feel good movie
tarullirocco4 September 2018
Celeb cameo filled heartwarming film about Hollywood dreams
tempany22 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.
Outstanding
justinwroot-2480815 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.
A Must See
sally-0067528 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.
All you need is love...
careyfamily122328 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
iparrothead26 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-120 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
catebaum28 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
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-823 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-4473426 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!
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-262-55592429 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.
See this film! It will fill your heart and reaffirm your belief in humanity.
Like riding an emotional roller coaster
lonniegrote5 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
markyourcalendarproductions5 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.
Perfect for everyone
margograff30 September 2018
Impacted me forever
scoobdoonla11 April 2020
When I saw this little documentary, I had no idea what I was about to see. I had no idea the impact it would then have on me, even now five years after I first saw it! I've sadly always had the inclination to feel bad for people with down syndrome, but this doc made me understand even more so what a beautiful gift they are to this world. And it really changed my perspective on today's testing that allows for someone to find out whether their child may be down syndrome in the womb, and to then be able to make a choice if whether or not they should still be brought into the world. I am a pro choice guy, so this is not about that. It' was more about seeing all the gifts a person like Kelly brought into this world. The love between her and her brother floored me. FLOORED ME. I never cried so hard. He wanted so badly to "save" her, a Superman complex I also have when it comes to my family especially, that he ruined his own relationships to protect her. Something he also had to learn about himself and look at, ultimately. The way that story is told here, is so touching and bold and raw, it forever changed and moved me. I cannot recommend this movie enough. I've told people about it for years! Please see it. Please spread the word. Allow your mind and heart to be opened up, because that is what it will do, guaranteed! Bravo to all involved ! Brave to brave, sweet Kelly and Brian!
A tribute to an amazing human who changed so many lives
PaulCastroJr125 September 2023
My partner and I watched this film the other night, and as I'm sure you can imagine it was one of the most emotional experiences we've had in a while. It was an absolute tribute to Kelly's life and legacy - you'd be very lucky to have had someone so special in your life. She clearly changed everyone around her... Dealing with similar familial dynamics this film struck every single cord imaginable, bless the filmmakers for sharing Kelly's story. Thanks for your hard work making this movie and as the film says - I'm sure Kelly is making multiple films with the best of the best right now. Would 100% make sure you've got tissues handy when watching!
An Intimate and Inspiring Story of Family and Love
mclanemares28 July 2023
I have been waiting to watch this documentary for months and I'm excited I finally did. It immediately captures this element of raw authenticity, like you're sitting in the living room with the Donovan family looking at photo albums together and watching family home videos.
It makes sense with the film having been directed and mostly filmed by Brian, the brother in the sibling duo that the film is centered around. Kelly, the sister in said duo and the titular star, is a complicated and vibrant person who touched many people's lives, and was afforded many life-changing opportunities through the tireless efforts of her brother. There is clearly an incredibly tight bond between them, and this relationship is explored thoroughly, the good and bad. I particularly was impressed with Brian's forwardness in the film with his mistakes and the struggles he faced in his relationships with his sister and his love interests in his life.
I am thankful I watched this documentary, I certainly recommend a watch!
It makes sense with the film having been directed and mostly filmed by Brian, the brother in the sibling duo that the film is centered around. Kelly, the sister in said duo and the titular star, is a complicated and vibrant person who touched many people's lives, and was afforded many life-changing opportunities through the tireless efforts of her brother. There is clearly an incredibly tight bond between them, and this relationship is explored thoroughly, the good and bad. I particularly was impressed with Brian's forwardness in the film with his mistakes and the struggles he faced in his relationships with his sister and his love interests in his life.
I am thankful I watched this documentary, I certainly recommend a watch!
The Sweetest Film You Might Ever See
annecfields4 October 2019
At a time where everything going on in our world seems pretty sad and depressing, this film is a burst of sunshine. Yes, it's about a brother with a huge heart and his sister with Down Syndrome but it's more than that. It's about Kelly fulfilling her dreams and Brian helping those dreams come true. It's about Kelly's ups and downs, her joys and frustrations. It's about Brian balancing his own life and relationships while being the most devoted brother a girl could ask for. Kelly is just a gem with an amazing amount of love, laughter and wit. She and Brian will have you cracking up with their antics. There's great celebrity appearances throughout but Brian's mom and his wife are also stars for the way they loved Kelly and Brian. It's such a feel good film at a time when we really need it.
A beautiful, moving, and incredible story
serenaentezary7 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
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-6380017 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!!
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!!
Inspirational!!!!
remisykes3 February 2019
I highly recommend Brian Donovan's documentary, Kelly's Hollywood. This is a film that highlights a brother's love for a sister that has been given challenges. The film not only entertains but illustrates that a purpose filled life isn't about achieving wealth, possession and status but about being selfless and giving back. Donavon hits all the right notes in this touching love story to his sister.
What a powerful and touching sibling love story!
jessicapatay22 September 2022
I cried, I laughed, I was so moved by Brian Donovan's film and most importantly, his love for Kelly! I am a caregiving mom to a son, age 19, with Prader-Willi syndrome and the effects on siblings is HUGE! It is a mix of very difficult and heart-expanding experiences. Siblings are forced to grow up faster, be more responsible and understanding and patient! It is imperative to tell these stories. The parents are not the only ones so deeply affected. Brian's deep love and compassion for Kelly was remarkable and unscathed. Disability affects a WHOLE family, not just the one with the disability. I applaud Brian Donovan for bringing this story to life and sharing with us all.
It sticks with you.
s_kiesel11 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't know what to expect from this movie and was pleasantly surprised how quickly I became interested in the characters and their relationships. It's a simple story at heart about a brother and sister and the love they have for each other. The sister has Down Syndrome and the brother takes on the hero protective role for her. This relationship seems to work well for both parties until they become adults and the brother starts to have girlfriends. Suddenly this codependent relationship is a big problem. The love is clearly present and their are no easy answers and that's why this movie will make you think long after it's over.
Beautiful
chirishguy1210 April 2020
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