User reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This movie was truly beautiful to watch. A loving tribute of a sister with Down's from her brother. Giving her the space and light to shine and loving and accepting her for exactly who she was. It was emotional and funny and heart warming all at once. An honest feel good story everyone should see. It makes you examine your own life and if you are authentically living it and staying true to yourself. I think everyone can relate to this movie in some way. Everyday was a day to celebrate being alive for Kelly and there was not a challenge she couldn't overcome; her family there for her every step of the way. Watch it, buy it, you won't regret it.

I'm not the type to watch "the feel good movie of the year" because they all seem sappy and contrived. This film is different. Yes, you finish it feeling good but you also see the difficulties Kelly encounters as well as Brian. They both manage with tons of love and a lot of laughter. I've seen the film several times and I still love it. You'll be very happy to have seen this film.

"I love you Colin Firth!" (If you know, you know)

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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!

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!