Basically I'm looking for a sub $2,000 projector that will do native widescreen 16x9 and will light up a screen well. This will be for an outdoor theater so throw distance isn't as important. I also don't NEED 720p but it would be nice. Whats most important is brightness, that comes above picture quality, color reproduction etc, this will be outdoors with people sitting 20-50ft away, I just need a big bright picture. The only one that I've found so far is the latest Panny 200u which is rated at 2000 lumens and its getting great reviews obviously but is there anything that can go brighter? Thanks for any suggestions.

I'd seriously consider a presentation projector. Maybe like a BENQ SP-831 or something.
As you stated Lumens is going to be the most important here.

The Mitsubishi HC1500 will be just as bright if you want DLP for less money.

The Benq SP830 with 3500 lumens is probably what you are looking for.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-SP830.htm

Thanks guys the 830 looks to be in the price range. How does a 2000:1 contrast ratio look for movies compared to the 5000+ of other projcetors. Is it horrible or is it manageable?

In your situation? The 2000:1 cr will look best. Percieved contrast is somewhat a function of lumens to the blackest a projector can get. Really, you want a bitch'n lumen presentation monster here. :)

Optoma EP1691

http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=23187&itmname=Optoma+EP1691