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CNET
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
This Twisty Netflix True Crime Series Is Now Living Rent-Free Inside My Head
If it's one thing I love watching on Netflix, it's a thought-provoking documentary. The streamer is jam-packed with options, too. But my preferred doc flavor is of the Tiger King variety, and I've been looking for something to bring that wild, twisty energy for some time. The Kings of Tupelo: A Southern Crime Saga is exactly what I was looking for. It's an easy binge at just three one-hour episodes, and the story that unfolds here has stayed with me for months. Emmy-winning directing duo Maclain and Chapman Way, the brothers behind Netflix's Untold docuseries and the riveting cult doc Wild Wild Country, are the creators behind The Kings of Tupelo. It's a stranger-than-fiction true crime tale that follows Paul Kevin Curtis, an Elvis impersonator and outspoken conspiracy theorist who finds himself at the center of a small-town rivalry that evolves into a terrorist manhunt. The legend of Elvis Presley looms large in Tupelo, Mississippi (the King's birthplace) and informs much of who Curtis is. His fascination with Elvis led him to don a bedazzled body suit and hit the stage to do his best rendition of Presley. In a town where Elvis impersonators are a dime a dozen, Curtis made a name for himself. Seriously -- he won awards. Read more: Netflix Review: Our Top Choice in a Crowded Market Jack Curtis is the brother of Paul Kevin Curtis, and the other Elvis impersonator in the family in The Kings of Tupelo on Netflix. Netflix Seeing his brother's success, Jack Curtis (a man who runs a successful insurance agency) tried his hand at doing the Elvis thing, which led the brothers to form Double Trouble, the world's first duo revue honoring The King. This is just one of the many quirky details that make The Kings of Tupelo such a fun watch. As someone unfamiliar with the real life story that inspired the series, I was not expecting the unpredictable twists waiting for their turn to flip things on their heads. Things go from one WTF moment to another quickly, making this a wild and never dull watch. I've seen criticism that the series perpetuates stereotypes about the South, and I can understand that argument. However, it wasn't my experience watching the series. As someone who has never been to the area, I found the program's array of colorful characters (and there are a lot) endearing to the story being told. Whether it's Steve Holland, the funeral home director and former politician, who happily leans into some big Boss Hogg energy, or sociopathic martial arts teacher James Everett Dutschke, who would probably send chills up John Kreese's spine, The Kings of Tupelo is littered with eccentric folks who feel like they walked right out of a Coen Brothers movie. Throughout the three episodes, Curtis tells his story through the guise of a finished screenplay, adding an off-kilter, cinematic quality to the whole thing. The Ways lean into this narrative voice, as unreliable as it sometimes feels, giving Curtis's vision full power. The result is an engaging documentary that sometimes feels like it was inspired by a sprawling made-up yarn he found during a deep dive on Reddit. Still, there are plenty of facts that substantiate the ride Curtis is taking us on. Yes, he picked fights with various businesses and people in town. Sure, he truly does idolize self-improvement guru Tony Robbins. He's a conspiracy theory nut who faced one fallback after another. Like the time he accidentally set fire to his home (he blamed government agents for this), which only reinforced his role as the undeterred victim. Paul Kevin Curtis and Jack Curtis suit up as Elvis Presley to perform as Double Trouble in Netflix's The Kings of Tupelo. Screenshot by Aaron Pruner/CNET Curtis is a character full of contradictions. He can't seem to get out of his own way, incapable of learning from his own mistakes or admitting he may have been the one at fault. He's also the self-imposed embodiment of a small-town underdog with impeccable storytelling chops. And that is probably what makes him so fascinating to watch. One minute, you want to hug him -- the next, you want to punch him in the neck. The craziness hits a climax in an impeccably paced third episode, which drops one unbelievable bombshell after another on the viewer. It's a truly riveting watch that culminates with an unexpected pièce de résistance reveal that makes the time it took to get here absolutely well-earned. I mentioned a terrorist attack earlier, and this is where the series leans heavily into the true crime genre, and it's also what propelled Curtis into the public eye. I won't divulge all the details, but I will say the case involves one of Curtis's Tupelo rivalries, an assassination attempt of the president and a bizarre revenge plot that nearly put Curtis in prison for life. The Kings of Tupelo is really that good. It explores conspiracy culture and the internet echo chambers that fuel it, and it's a fun look at the colorful community of Tupelo, Mississippi, and the enduring legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. Moreover, the series is a surprisingly engaging underdog tale about a man who can't keep his mouth shut or learn from his mistakes, and the stranger-than-fiction criminal conspiracy he unwittingly became the victim of. Add all these elements up, and it's no wonder that, for the past few months, The Kings of Tupelo has been living rent-free in my head.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: February 14-16
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Take some time to unwind with friends, family or yourself this weekend. Below you'll find a list of some fun events going on this weekend (February 14-16) around Mississippi. – Jackson – Friday There will be photo props and Valentine's Day card making supplies at Myrlie's Garden. – Jackson – Friday Celebrate Mississippi Arbor Day through S.T.E.M. crafts, games, and interactive displays featuring Mississippi trees! – Natchez – Friday Natchez Festival of Music presents the annual Valentine's Day event which includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction of art pieces, and a live auction of exclusive dinners and travel packages. Elvis Valentine's Day – Vicksburg – Friday This event will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Cedar Grove Mansion. Join for a vow renewal ceremony officiated by an Elvis impersonator, and a romantic dinner. Elvis Tribute Concert – Vicksburg – Friday Enjoy a concert by a recent star of Netflix's Kings of Tupelo, Jack Curtis brings the King's legendary hits to life in a way that will leave you All Shook Up. Civil War Gun & Relic Show – Vicksburg – Friday and Saturday This event will be from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on the 14th, and 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on the 15th at the Outlets of Vicksburg. – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday The Dixie National Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River, takes place Friday, February 7, through Saturday, February 15, inside the Mississippi Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds. – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday The Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo is the largest display of everything for the outdoors in Mississippi. – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday A gripping and electrifying reimagining of events the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday This exhibition will feature over 50 handmade and machine-stitched quilts from MMA's permanent collection, including Crossroads Quilters, Gwendolyn Magee, and several collected by American photographer Roland L. Freeman on his travels. – Jackson – Friday, Saturday & Sunday Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers! – Natchez – Friday, Saturday & Sunday You're cordially invited to witness Bunny & Buster 'Tie the Knot!'—a hilarious, love-filled Valentine's Mystery dinner! Will the bride get cold feet? Or is the groom ready to bolt? It's a night of zany wedding characters, and nuptial chaos! – Jackson – Saturday Led by Joyce Dixon-Lawson, this workshop will teach participants how to research African American genealogy through resources available in MDAH's archival collections. – Jackson – Saturday Gather your favorite gals for a delightful morning featuring a custom brunch menu crafted by Chef Damien, filled with mouthwatering dishes and creative twists on your brunch favorites. – Jackson – Saturday The creative, joyful verve of MSO Maestro Crafton Beck's Baroque-influenced Concerto Grosso is back by popular demand in an exquisite evening that also delivers the short works of Tomas Tallis as an a cappella treat by the St. James' Compline Choir. – Jackson – Saturday From persimmons to peaches, from bok choy to butter beans, the Mississippi Farmers Market is the one place to go for the freshest fruits and vegetables that are grown in the state. – Clinton – Saturday Enjoy painting, food, champagne, music, & more! – Natchez – Saturday Every week there will be live fresh produce, baked goods, fresh dairy, and arts and crafts all from local growers and artists. – Ridgeland – Saturday Each pair will make a Candle Stick, Bud Vase, and a Bowl through woodturning techniques. – Ridgeland – Saturday Each pair will make a Candle Stick, Bud Vase, and a Bowl through woodturning techniques. – Ridgeland – Saturday Come create a timeless, valentine's themed stained glass suncatcher with Andrea Hopper using the copper foil technique! – Ridgeland – Saturday Grab your girls and get crafty! Enjoy a Galentine's celebration where you can create heart-shaped wreaths with moss and rosemary – perfect for spreading love and good vibes! Laces for Love 5k Run and Walk, 10k Run, Fun Run – Vicksburg – Saturday This race will include a 5K run and walk, a 10K run, and a fun run. Enjoy post run jambalaya and king cake. Love Begins with You – Vicksburg – Saturday This is a community event geared towards empowering and uplifting people during Valentine's season. They will have speakers, musical guests, and other entertainment plus vendors. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sweetheart Ball – Vicksburg – Saturday This event will be from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. at the Vicksburg Convention Center. – Jackson – Sunday Come shop small and smart by buying second hand from some local gurlie pops, eat some brunch and have fun! – Jackson – Sunday This showcase will feature 'Hotaru,' '(I'm Not) Your Negroni,' and 'Our Rebellious Hearts.' All three short films are collectively under an hour and explore themes of identity, change, and resilience. – Hattiesburg – Friday During this two-hour session, you'll learn the art of candle making from skilled instructors, using high-quality materials to craft your very own custom candles. 2025 Darwin Day – Hattiesburg – Friday In commemoration of Charles Darwin's birthday, kick off your morning with donuts, coffee, biological displays and a photo op with Mr. Darwin. – Ellisville – Friday The Annual Valentine's dinner and concert will be held at Harp & Hound. – Laurel – Friday Enjoy karaoke at 320 5th St. in Laurel. – Laurel – Friday Enjoy a throw back to the 80s! There will be a DJ, door prizes, games, and prom king and queen contest. – Laurel – Friday Coffee Connection is a time for adults to unwind, socialize, and enjoy a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Take an hour to express your creativity at the coloring station, or bring a friend while playing board games, card games, or working on a fun puzzle. – Hattiesburg – Friday, Saturday & Sunday The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum has a new exhibit every month, so be sure to head downtown for a small surprise! – Hattiesburg – Saturday Grab your best girlfriends and join Hattiesburg Zoo's three favorite ladies Alberta (Bertie), Grace and Sue Ellen (resident giraffes) at Ladha's Overlook for its inaugural Galentine's Day Brunch. – Hattiesburg – Saturday This immersive workshop will guide you through the fascinating process of creating stunning cyanotype prints. Learn the art of light-sensitive chemistry and harness the power of the sun to produce unique, one-of-a-kind images. DND Nights – Hattiesburg – Saturday Join fearless Dungeon Masters for an adventure in imagination land! All experience levels are welcome! – Hattiesburg – Saturday XII-Southern Flute Festival Artists Recital featuring Dr. Maria Castillo, collaborative guest artists, and the Southern Flute Festival Flute Ensemble Yarn & Yards – Hattiesburg – Saturday Come enjoy spinning some 'yarns' at The Author Shoppe. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
