User reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The most impactful documentation of humanity I've ever seen.

As a movie fanatic, I've run the gamut, but I don't think I've ever been as affected by a film as much as I was by the tale of these siblings and their friends. It felt surpremely honest.

I sincerely applaud the filmmakers, but more so the subjects of those beautiful lives.

I would give this a thousand stars if I could.

Bravo.

Inspirational, touching, human--an incredible tribute from one sibling to another! 💚🌟💖

Being an older brother to a brother with Down Syndrome, this documentary moved me very deeply, and I connected to it on an emotional level. It's a story of two loving, expressive, and artistic human beings who supported each other in their journey to pursue their dreams.

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!

This a powerful and wonderful movie. I would have loved to meet Kelly in person. I know we would have had so much fun discovering Hollywood! It is emotional journey and I feel special to have it shared with me by the Donovan family.

I was touched to see Brian's devotion to his sister Kelly. Love is a double edged sword, and "Kelly's Hollywood" illustrates both edges: smooth, yet sharp. Although Brian took on the role of superhero brother to Kelly, his savior complex also enabled her, stunting some of her emotional growth, and I commend Brian's willingness to acknowledge his own flaws within their relationship. It takes courage to be vulnerable, and both Kelly and Brian pull back the curtain and show us their complex, layered relationship, worts and all. I appreciated the honesty depicted in their love for each other. It is beautiful because of its imperfections.

This movie truly inspires you to be a better person. Watching the beautiful relationship between Brian and his sister Kelly who has Down syndrome is life changing. My son has Down syndrome and I already see how much his life has impacted his siblings lives for the better. This movie shows the ups and downs of life and does not try to sugar coat things. It is refreshing as a parent to watch an accurate while uplifting portrayal of Down syndrome. After watching this you will want to start your own ripple of kindness in the world. Watch, enjoy, and be inspired.

Kelly's Hollywood is a wonderful movie. What a gift to experience even a little bit of the love between Kelly and her brother Brian. What a gift to witness their shared dream coming true both in life and in this film, which breathes humanity into the ups and downs of wanting to be somebody, no matter who you are. Touching, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspirational. Kelly's Hollywood is the kind of Hollywood I want to know!

I had seen this doc when it first came out in 2015 and just re-watched it with my 11 year-old daughter. She was riveted and watched the entire film. She knows very few kids with Down Syndrome, and this beautiful story was appropriate for both she and I. I recommend Kelly's Hollywood for anyone between the ages of 10-100. I dare you to watch this without falling in love with Kelly, Brian and Tempany!

This is a beautiful film! The amount of love this guy has for his sister, and the amount of life flowing out of Kelly is infectious. You won't be disappointed!