Who doesn’t love a good and scandalous book? Well, Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen definitely do as evidenced in their latest film “Book Club.”

Directed by Bill Holderman, the romantic comedy follows four lifelong friends when their lives are turned upside down after reading the infamously erotic "50 Shades of Grey." Along their journey, rising actress Amanda Martin steps in as a helpful flight attendant.

I recently caught up with Amanda Martin to find out more.


Tell us about your role in “Book Club.”

AMANDA MARTIN: I play a friendly Flight Attendant who is dappling in the art of matchmaking.

How was it to work alongside Diane Keaton and Andy Garcia?

AM: A dream. They are two masters so of course they quickly calmed any nerves I had working opposite them. Diane sweetly complimented me right off the bat and Andy Garcia could have chemistry with a potato, he is just beyond charismatic.

Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?

AM: We were in between takes and they were moving set ups around and Andy Garcia just began entertaining the cast and crew with his Al Pacino impression. It was hysterical. Everyone was just having a blast making a fun movie. Not one dull moment.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?

AM: That there is never too small a gesture to give to the people around you. I loved that Diane Keaton took even just a moment to make me feel comfortable on her set. This movie was written with her in mind and this Oscar winning actress chose to compliment me as I’m sure she did to many others. That kind of generosity is something I admire and aspire to have.

Are you a fan of the romantic-comedy genre; and if so, what’s your favorite?

AM: I love any feel-good movie. From “10 Things I Hate About You,” to “The Princess Bride,” and more recently “The Big Sick” which is based on Nanjiani and Gordon’s real life love story; making it all the more heartwarming.

And, now just for fun:

Who’s your favorite actor/actress?

AM: Emily Blunt can do no wrong in my book. She is hilarious, charming and down to earth in interviews, but has also tackled almost every genre of film and nailed it all. Plus she seems to have found a great balance between her personal life and working career.

What role from the past do you wish you could have played?

AM: Ellen Ripley from “Aliens.” It was one of the first roles I remember seeing where the protagonist was a female who could kick butt and make you laugh, while still coming across as somehow nurturing. But I wasn’t even born then and no one could have done it like Sigourney Weaver.

Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.

AM: I grew up on movies so picking one is too difficult. I’m a big Disney fan so give me “Aladdin” or “Beauty and the Beast” any day, but then you’ve got great films like “Shawshank” or “Jurassic Park” that just never get old.

Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.

AM: I had a spotted python as a pet growing up. Haha that always makes people cringe.

How can fans keep up with you?

AM: My twitter @ASMartintweet link or my website www.amandamartin.tv link