Metacritic reviews

The three central performances (by Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman and -- wow! -- Goldie Hawn) are so engaging that we find ourselves, despite ourselves, involved in their story.

The picture moves around comfortably in nice color, against some authentic Manhattan exteriors. But it is primarily the verve and skill of the performances, the pungent air of sexual chemistry and the peppery good humor that make the movie so diverting.

The movie was a misfire despite the presence of many of filmdom's best talents. Diamond's adaptation fails to provide any new wrinkles to the tired plot and Gene Saks's direction is only as good as the material he's been given.

Cactus Flower drags, which is probably the worst thing that can be said of a light comedy. It's due to sloppy direction by Gene Saks and the miscasting of Walter Matthau opposite Ingrid Bergman.

Full of forced, unnaturally fast quips that one might, in a state of extreme exhaustion, find fairly funny.