It is enough to say that [Altman's] cards add up to a royal flush.

The conclusion falls a little bit flat, but getting there is much more than half the fun. The parts add up to much more than the whole, and it's enjoyable.

An often hilarious reassurance to Altman's many admirers that the gift of wry and perceptive humor has not deserted him.

…flop-houses, flop-sweat and a general air of flailing macho camaraderie are all California Split has got going for it, but it’s more than enough…that lack of showy Hollywood pizzazz is what makes this celebration of the low-life so great…