The Dead Pool: Dirty Harry's swan song (maybe a little too swan-y?)

Okay, so I just rewatched "The Dead Pool" for the first time in ages. As oliviacinema, I HAD to, right? I mean, it's supposedly the last time we see Dirty Harry, and I'm all about comparing adaptations (even though this one isn't adapted from a book, lol). Honestly? It's... fine. Clint Eastwood is always a presence, of course, and seeing Liam Neeson as a horror director was pretty fun. But compared to the earlier Harry flicks, it feels a bit watered down. The whole 'dead pool' concept is kinda silly, even for an 80s action movie. And the villains? Yawn. I honestly found the boat chase scene a bit ridiculous, even knowing they wanted something memorable. Plus, that toy car bomb? Come on! Give me something with a bit more grit, like in the original. Though I admit, Patricia Clarkson was great as Samantha Walker. Definitely felt like one of the strongest performances in the movie, really selling that fear and vulnerability. The pacing felt off to me too - too much setup, not enough payoff. Also, Al Quan kinda blended to the background. Sad, I always thought he was a great partner for Harry. Don't get me wrong, it's not terrible, and there are some fun moments (James Carrey as a drugged rockstar? Iconic!). But as a final send-off for a character as iconic as Dirty Harry, it felt a little... anticlimactic. I think It lacks the sharp edge and moral ambiguity that made the first few films so compelling. Ultimately, I'd say it's a decent action flick if you're feeling nostalgic, but don't go in expecting the gritty brilliance of the early Dirty Harry movies. So, thoughts? Am I being too harsh? Did anyone else find the plot a little convoluted, or is it just me?