A film dispensing apparatus for dispensing film from a film roll is disclosed that in certain embodiments has an exterior holding surface of a holding member that is concentric with the axis of rotation of a rotating member when looking at the apparatus along its radial direction. In other embodiments, the film dispensing apparatus includes a brake portion found in the interior of the holding member that is operatively associated with an interior holding surface such that when a user presses onto the interior holding surface with sufficient force, it causes the brake portion to flex and contact the rotating member, resulting in the film being dispensed with more tension as the user pulls on the apparatus to unwind the film.