Lethal Weapon 2: Underrated Structure, or Just Lucky?

Okay, so I've been rewatching Lethal Weapon 2 (again, don't judge) and something's been bugging me. Everyone always talks about the comedy, Leo Getz, the exploding toilet... but I think people sleep on how well the structure of this movie actually works. I mean, think about it: we start with a pretty standard car chase, then BAM, they're up against something way bigger than they initially thought, and it keeps escalating. That whole 'diplomatic immunity' thing is GENIUS for ratcheting up the tension. It's like, how do you fight guys who are almost literally untouchable? And it's not just plot escalation either. The character arcs are subtly woven in. Riggs is obviously still dealing with his grief, but he's also learning to maybe, just maybe, open himself up to the possibility of connection. His relationship with Rika, however brief, isn't just a throwaway romance subplot. It gives him something real to fight for, and when she's killed... damn, you feel it. It's a massive jolt that changes the entire trajectory of the back half. It's what pushes him to that final confrontation with Rudd, that moment where he knows he won't let it go. I think the whole movie is a masterclass in building that tension with a solid midpoint shift and an awesome climax. I'm not calling it a cinematic masterpiece, it's a frickin' action movie, but I genuinely believe the tight pacing and clever structure is what elevates it above some of the other action flicks of the era. Maybe I'm just biased cuz it's been a childhood fav, but that's my take. Anyone else notice this, or am I just seeing things? Let me know what you think!