Upon seeing Andrew McAllister's "Urban Scarecrow" you are struck by two main thoughts: the sense of trying to determine who we are as we pass through our teenage years, and the sense of wanting to have self worth and a feeling that you matter to someone. Set in and around the infamous Highway 99 in Seattle, "Scarecrow" tells the story of Wesley, a 16 year old teenager who, following his mother's death, is residing in a motel with his father (Charles Leggett), a temp who idealizes himself as a successful stand-up comedian. McAllister, who also wrote the film, wisely centers the film on Wesley, played very effectively by local actor Peter Richards. Richards strikes a strong balance of emotion and unease as he tries to find something to keep his interest while enduring his daily life. At its core, "Scarecrow" is a film you've seen before and it suffers slightly from having moments that are common with the typical "coming-of-age" story. Yet, with subtle nuances to character eccentricities and a sharp and unique view on the characters lives, "Scarecrow" takes you on a journey up and down the dilapidated Highway 99 and ultimately, to a nice and hopeful conclusion.
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