The Chocolate Factory Riverboat

What is nearly equally memorable as the boat in this scene is the creepy song Willy Wonka’s singing just off key.   The ship truly makes the moment though, with both a canopy and a Mississippi River-style steamboat paddle engine, yet by all indications it’s powered solely by the Oompa Loompas at the rear.
Wonka’s boat is not only the creepiest and most fantastic ship that’s ever floated on a chocolate river, but it’s also quite the psychological tool. Even though a child had nearly drowned up to that point, the contestants and their children are all still relatively at peace, two of the fathers even swapping small talk about their respective business endeavors. That’s all over once Uncle Willy cranks up the paddle wheel and occult music, the boat entering some kind of nexus within time and space whereby all manner of an acid trip ensues.
Not only is the ship able to withstand this madness, it comes out completely unfazed on the other side – none of its passengers are worse for wear. Not only does it temporarily quiet and humble the whiny kids following Wonka around, but it also succeeds in totally blowing their collective minds.
”Not a spec of light is showing, so the danger must be growing… are the fires of hell a-blowing? … is the grizzly reaper mowing..? YES!! the danger must be growing… as the rowers keep on rowing… and their certainly not showing, any signs that they are slowing… Ahhhh”

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 11:50 am and is filed under The Daily Muze and tagged with Boats, Movies.