Not "Hollywood" - but damned effective!
With respect to Wllifred: You are, of course, correct. A shotgun blast is not going to send anyone tumbling backwards (or even knocked down, necessarily).
But a well placed load of 00 or slug will stop just about anyone - every time.
Uncle Sam once gave me a free vacation to that garden spot of SE Asia known as South Viet Nam. While enjoying the sights and the ambience, I had occasion to carry a Remington 870 and an M-14. I never felt under-served with either.
It was not a pleasant experience, but the practical use of the 870 left absolutely no doubt as to its's capabilities. I never had to use more than one round per target.
The shotgun, of course is for CQB. It will certainly not replace a good rifle for all-around versatility.
On a side note: I think it's interesting that the US military is bringing back the M-14. I was not a sniper, but we were using the slogan "one shot - one kill" to describe the '14' long before it became popular with the stealthy guys.
Forgetting all of the 'teething problems" the M-16 had when first in service, it was still a pretty good "stopper" (when it worked). Now, from what I hear from guys back from Iraq and Afghanistan is that even a 3-round burst to center-of-mass won't always do the job...the bad guys just keep on going!
The reason is that we got "politically correct" with the M-16's ammunition a few years back...redesigned it, and it no longer tumbles like it used to (causing MASSIVE wounds).
Now, it just goes right on through like a needle.
OK, I'm way off topic and I apologize for rambling. But, to wrap up the shotgun comment: I currently have an 870 with an extended magazine, pistol grip, tritium night sights, a 6-round sidesaddle and a Knox Stock (which practically eliminates muzzle rise and reduces felt recoil to about that of a 20 ga.). To say that I feel confident it will provide all the home defense I need is a vast understatement. Shotguns are not JUST for birds!
Mike