Tequila Sunrise: More Than Just a Pretty Picture?

Okay, so I finally got around to watching "Tequila Sunrise" (1988). I know, I know, I'm late to the party. I kept hearing about how gorgeous it was, all that California sunshine and Kurt Russell lookin' FINE. And yeah, visually, it's stunning. But honestly, I was expecting more thrills? It's got Mel Gibson (swoon), Kurt Russell, and Michelle Pfeiffer, three HUGE names, playing a drug dealer trying to go straight, a cop, and a restaurant owner caught in the middle. Sounds like a recipe for suspense, right? It definitely had its moments though. The tension between Mac and Nick is palpable, especially since they're supposed to be best buds but are on opposite sides of the law. And Pfeiffer is captivating as Jo Ann, you can totally see why both guys are drawn to her. The scene where Nick is 'interrogating' Mac at Jo Ann's restaurant is fantastic, you can just FEEL all the unspoken history and suspicion between them. I also kept thinking about how stylish everything was, it felt really 80s, but in a sophisticated way. My biggest issue is that it felt… slow. Like, really slow, especially for a thriller. It almost felt like it was trying to be a romance more than anything else, which isn't really my thing. It definitely lacked the punch I was expecting considering the premise. Maybe I built it up too much in my head, or maybe it just hasn't aged that well. IDK. So, what do you guys think? Am I missing something? Is it all about the visuals and the star power, or did anyone else find it a bit underwhelming on the suspense front? Definitely open to hearing different perspectives. Maybe I need to give it a rewatch now that I know what to expect... hmmm.