TV Picks of the Week by Lisa Jewell

Get stuck into these top TV choices this week.

Film – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Monday 17 October, 9pm, Channel 4

Ben Stiller plays the eponymous Walter Mitty, who works in the photo department of Life magazine and finds escape from his ho hum life through fantastical day dreams.

On paper, this film sounds like it would be very slapstick and played purely for comedy laughs. But it takes on a life affirming quality and as a viewer you start to root for Walter Mitty as he takes the brave step of leaving his daily routine behind in order to track down photographer Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn) who shot the image that was destined to be the last Life cover but has mysteriously disappeared.

Mitty’s journey brings him to various places around the world (that are beautifully shot in the film) and involves lots of adventures. An entertaining and satisfying film.

Documentary – Your Face Says It All

Tuesday 18 October, 8pm, Channel 4

Popular science has focused a lot on body language in the last few years and the signs that we give through how we position ourselves. But what about the face? This new three part series looks at how our faces change with age, what makes a face beautiful and inspires sexual attraction and how your face affects your life.

The foundation of the show is scientific research but it keeps things lively and personable with celebrity interviews and features such as comedian Stephen K Amos meeting the Metropolitan Police’s ‘Super Recognisers’ and actor Keith Allen testing his face-reading skills with a game of poker.

Entertainment – Stand Up to Cancer

Friday 21 October, 7pm, Channel 4

Originating in the States, Stand Up to Cancer has now become a regular fixture every couple of years on British TV screens. It’s a telethon to raise money to fight cancer and this year includes a Celebrity Gogglebox (featuring the regular TV watchers plus celebs such as Niall Horan and Olly Murs), a tribute to Caroline Aherne by Noel Gallagher and Steve Coogan, a special episode of the Last Leg and appearances from celebs such as Britney Spears and Boy George.