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Chicago Movie Tours & Talks Reviews and Testimonials

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5-Star Movie Experiences Led by a Film Historian

Experience Chicago’s 135-year cinematic legacy through the eyes of a film historian. From the historic grounds of the Midway Plaisance to iconic filming locations throughout the Loop, our Ph.D.-led walking tours and presentations combine scholarly insight with engaging storytelling rarely found in traditional sightseeing tours.

 

Below, explore verified reviews from libraries, cultural institutions, Chicago locals, tourists, and movie lovers who have joined Chicago Movie Tours & Talks for immersive experiences exploring the city’s deep connections to film history, architecture, public art, and popular culture.

Reviews of Walking Tours

average rating is 5 out of 5

Heartily recommend!

Wonderful morning viewing the paintings that helped make Ferris Bueller such a special movie. My two granddaughters and I learned why the paintings were chosen and even got to re-create some of the scenes from the movie. The tour was a great way to introduce two thirteen year old girls to some of the highlights of the Art Institute without it seeming stodgy. Heartily recommend!

Patty

The Art of Ferris Bueller

Verified • chicagomovietours.com

July 2, 2026

private tour, Ferris Bueller kids walking tour, Art Institute of Chicago, photo ops with Ferris Bueller paintings

average rating is 5 out of 5

Would've happily stayed for a couple more hours!

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and take this tour once in a while, you could miss it… Absolutely brilliant tour, very interesting, informative and fun with lots of Easter eggs along the way. Kelli is excellent, we would have happily stayed for a couple more hours! Can’t recommend highly enough.

Lloyd

The Art of Ferris Bueller

Reviewed on Google

August 3, 2026

private walking tour in Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Ferris Bueller

average rating is 5 out of 5

Highlight of our trip

Kelli was super engaging and a knowledgeable storyteller. We had a private Ferris Bueller tour and I’d recommend her tours for anyone. Her tour was the highlight of our trip.

Ryan

The Art of Ferris Bueller

Reviewed on Google

August 1, 2026

private tour, Ferris Bueller, walking tour, Art Institute of Chicago

Reviews of Film History Talks

average rating is 5 out of 5

Two thumbs up

The only good thing that came out of the Covid pandemic: ZOOM presentations! This was another good one. [...] Very informative, excellent presentation—two thumbs up.

Webinar Guests

Teaching Hollywood: Child Actors and Studio Teachers

Verified • Winnetka-Northfield Library

August 25, 2026

library talk, The Breakfast Club, studio teachers in contemporary Hollywood, Chicago film history, classic hollywood

average rating is 5 out of 5

Three cheers for virtual programs!

Kelli's an excellent presenter! [...] This presentation about child actors' education was so interesting and appreciated. Thanks much to the library for Zoom programs!

Zoom Attendees

Teaching Hollywood: Child Actors and Studio Teachers

Verified Host Review • Winnetka-Northfield Public Library

August 25, 2026

child actors in Chicago, studio teachers at MGM, studio teachers in contemporary Hollywood, virtual programs, in-person talk

average rating is 5 out of 5

My favorite presenter

It was an excellent program. I like deep dives into Chicago’s history. It’s important to understand and remember why tragedies occur. Kelli is my favorite presenter, by the way.

Program Attendee

Still Waters, Sudden Death: Chicago’s Deadliest Disaster Onscreen

Verified Host Review • Winnetka-Northfield Public Library

July 28, 2026

newsreels, silent film, SS Eastland, Chicago film history, Disney Channel, oral history

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