Abstract: We introduce a family of generalized random matrix ensembles (RME), dubbed "critical", which are capable to interpolate between Poisson and Wigner statistics of eigenvalues. It is shown that the joint distribution of eigenvalues of the models is equivalent to calculating the diagonal element of the matrix density of the Calogero- Sutherland model. This relation provides a natural generalization of the classical RME. The case of critical RME with complex eigenvalues is discussed in detail. Special attention is paid to the regime of weak non-Hermiticity.