Well, I would like to comment on the seriousness of this film. I completely disagree that it was "too serious". It was as serious as I was hoping it to be, with a few mild jokes. The thing that failed in the film is the type of seriousness it had, and not that it was serious. You set up a story that should of had more emotion to it. It should have made the viewer feel for John West. It should have made the viewer feel sorry for him, happy for him, etc. I can see that being a little hard to do in this kind of story, but it's possible.
Funny thing is, you had a good chance to get this emotion when West's died. But instead, it was almost like he didn't really care that much (or the voice actor just failed). It made him seem emotionless. As the great animator once said, Smeagol, acting should be believable, but it usually should be a little more dramatic then realistic. Like, for example, when West's friend got shot (and I don't think it should of been a head shot), you should of had West go down with his friend while he fell. Then have some intense slow music and a few deep words or something. Make the viewer feel for these people.
So, anyway, hopefully you get what I am trying to say. The seriousness is very good. You just have the wrong kind. As for the rest of the film, it was very decent. Good effects, a decent story, great animation, etc. Voice acting was a little weak, the film seemed to move just a LITTLE slow at times, it didn't really have a mind-catching soundtrack, the sounds were pretty good. I was disappointed with the overall story, however. I mean, you came up with this rather brilliant idea of pictures that can transport you anywhere, but instead of acting on that, you make some kind of cop movie. The plot of this cop movie is one no one really cares about. I mean, why not just set the film around some kind of adventure with the pictures? Heck, you could of even had the same plot an adventure. Like Mr. Painter could of drew a painting of his house in the past before the bad guy came, then they could of jumped into that picture to stop him. Then during the chase scene in Mr. Painter's house or something, you could have had them find a room full of these Picturesque. Then you could of had the bad guy jump into one of these, followed by John West, his friend, and Mr. Painter (since Mr. Painter would be their way back). And just pick up an adventure/fantasy/sci-fi/action/crime story from there.
Anyway, overall, with everything included, this is not a bad film at all. I thought it was very entertaining at times. I can tell you put a lot of hard work into it, so great job. My rating would be a solid 7.5/10. I will be looking forward to more films from you.
Story: 5/10
Effects: 8.5/10
Voice acting: 6/10
Animation: 10/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Sounds: 7.5/10
Music: 7/10
Yep, great work!
Into the darkness once more. I walk into the unknown. To a far better life than I've ever known.