Yeah.
Who needs great acting plus character and plot development when you can just throw a ton of action in there when no one speaks.
The great acting is still there, the character development is still there and the plot development is still there. The only story arch removed was the one involving Vincent's home life. It's cliche and does not develop the character at all. He starts as a cop who is over-worked and obsessed, and finishes that way. Therefore, that's all we really need to see of him. Yes, his home life is a disaster. With Neil (De Niro) & Chris (Kilmer), their characters deviate from themselves in the end. Therefore, Ashley & Amy stay.
This was based solely on my opinion. Great film? Yes. Longer than necessary? Yes.
It is still well over 2 hours long. Please don't assume that I made into a "mindless Arnold" movie, as that is far from the truth. It is just an experiment.