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.
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.
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.
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.
Perfect for everyone
margograff30 September 2018
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.
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 beauty of a movie.....
dhaus-8814528 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I wish I could just tell you it's a good film, but I can't. I can't because it's not good, it's great! Post pandemic depression fades away as you're transported back to the 1960s and are introduced to the Donovan family. It is a joy to watch and be shown the kind of unconditional love we should be have for each other modeled for us by siblings Brian and Kelly Donovan. This is mainly a story of a brother's love for his special needs sister and how he helped her Hollywood dream become a reality. Interwoven is a second narrative of him growing up and falling in love whilst having to deal with the complex ramifications that has on the siblings relationship. The story leaves off in the year 2009, well before a worldwide virus would change things.
I understand the complex issues that other reviews have brought forth and yeah there are some issues that needed to be addressed, but as the director states, they went through counseling to get through them. At a time where it is seen as weak to seek counseling and talk to someone, Brian Donovan is being real with us and accepting that he has issues he needed to work out, he sought counseling and so did his girlfriend. So many of us don't do that and it can lead to resentment in a relationship or worse; we are shown his vulnerability to express that even though he feels he is doing right by his sister, it was becoming a detriment to his love life. One can only imagine the difficulty and massive weight that puts on not only those three individuals but others as well. Counseling helped them to get through those times so that they could be there together once things take a turn for the worse.
I have had the unique experience of working with Brian at a comic convention in Colorado Springs this year where he had a booth set up for autographs as he is a voice actor for the characters of Davis in Digimon and Rock Lee in the Naruto Shippuden series. I watched as many people over the course of 3 days poured out their hearts to him as the voice of one of their childhood heroes; some even accrediting his characters for getting them through dark and seriously tough times in their lives. Not once did any of it go lost on him, many times he was moved to tears and he made sure that they went away from his table knowing they made a difference for him too, they meant something and were important. Time after time I watched as genuine care was given when someone told him their story and he shared some of his experiences with them. I was blessed to be assigned to someone who was so down to Earth.
I bring this up only because it speaks to Brian's character and self. He truly cares about people. Over the course of our time together I learned more about Kelly, her character and the positive impact she had on Brian's friends; and yes, He and his brother are close as well but this movie focuses on Kelly and their relationship.
I understand the complex issues that other reviews have brought forth and yeah there are some issues that needed to be addressed, but as the director states, they went through counseling to get through them. At a time where it is seen as weak to seek counseling and talk to someone, Brian Donovan is being real with us and accepting that he has issues he needed to work out, he sought counseling and so did his girlfriend. So many of us don't do that and it can lead to resentment in a relationship or worse; we are shown his vulnerability to express that even though he feels he is doing right by his sister, it was becoming a detriment to his love life. One can only imagine the difficulty and massive weight that puts on not only those three individuals but others as well. Counseling helped them to get through those times so that they could be there together once things take a turn for the worse.
I have had the unique experience of working with Brian at a comic convention in Colorado Springs this year where he had a booth set up for autographs as he is a voice actor for the characters of Davis in Digimon and Rock Lee in the Naruto Shippuden series. I watched as many people over the course of 3 days poured out their hearts to him as the voice of one of their childhood heroes; some even accrediting his characters for getting them through dark and seriously tough times in their lives. Not once did any of it go lost on him, many times he was moved to tears and he made sure that they went away from his table knowing they made a difference for him too, they meant something and were important. Time after time I watched as genuine care was given when someone told him their story and he shared some of his experiences with them. I was blessed to be assigned to someone who was so down to Earth.
I bring this up only because it speaks to Brian's character and self. He truly cares about people. Over the course of our time together I learned more about Kelly, her character and the positive impact she had on Brian's friends; and yes, He and his brother are close as well but this movie focuses on Kelly and their relationship.
A MUST SEE DURING THESE TIMES
daxavierjosiah21 August 2020
This is without a shadow of a doubt the most amazing and touching thing I've ever seen.
America needs to see this to understand what truly unconditional love for family can be.
Absolutely outstanding.
This is a great example of "with great power.......
If you want to know what family is and should be about, this documentary makes for a great tutorial of unconditional love.
America needs to see this to understand what truly unconditional love for family can be.
Absolutely outstanding.
This is a great example of "with great power.......
If you want to know what family is and should be about, this documentary makes for a great tutorial of unconditional love.
Inspiring
heather-8083211 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!
Great Movie
twoyachts10 January 2019
This is a wonderful movie about a brother's love for his sister, and visa versa. This is what family is all about. I was entertained from beginning to end. Do yourself a favor and take the time to watch Kelly's Hollywood. You won't be sorry.
A must watch for your whole family!
manvanwsnc13 January 2019
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.
Just Beautiful! Restores your faith in Humanity!
rosgentle7 January 2019
So glad I watched this very sweet, poignant, powerful, tear inducing film. A beautiful chronical of a life so vibrantly lived and a love story of a brother and sister thats restores your faith in humanity. Skip the next episode of Handmaids Tale and watch this instead... you'll feel so much better about yourself and life!!!
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.
This film will make you cry (but in a good way)
sarahb-7842218 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!!!
nokscion30 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.
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.
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