Kelly's Hollywood (2015) Reviews

• Misses its own point entirely

  catebaum2018-08-28

  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 Must See

  sally-006752015-03-28

  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-248082015-03-15

  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.

• This Movie Shook My Heart Like A Snow Globe

  cinas-12016-06-20

  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

• Perfect for everyone

  margograff2018-09-30

  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.